NEWS > America s Cup > Americas Cup Straw Poll
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America's Cup Straw PollDuring the week of waiting for wind we conducted a quick straw poll of some of our industry participants. Here is what they said: Sara Roberts, Sailing Manager, RNZYS: Who do you think will go on to challenge Alinghi, and why? ETNZ 4 SURE! Their preparation has been fantastic and they are starting from the top of the table already! Do your heart and your ahead agree? YES! Who is going to be ETNZ’s biggest opponent? BMW Oracle & Luna Rossa pose the greatest threat so won’t it we awesome when we race them – can’t wait. I think Mascalzone & Victory will bump out Desafino Espanol out of the top 4 (where they sit now). What is ETNZ’s x-factor? THE TEAM! US! NEW ZEALAND! Buzzy Bee’s, plus they know what it’s like to lose it (ouch)! Yacht Designer Kevin Dibley : Who do you think will go on to challenge Alinghi, and why? I believe it will be ETNZ mainly because they have tasted victory and also defeat and they now have the complete picture. They know what needs to be done and they have been under the guide of Dalton, whom has molded together a team that is not only racing for ETNZ but for New Zealand as a whole. Do your heart and your ahead agree? Good question. There is obviously some heart and pride in my answers, but when I put on the designer's cap and have a good look at what has been designed by the various countries, it is hard to fault ETNZ. There is nothing radical in their overall design process but everything is thought about and put together very well. With good sailing, they have given themselves the best odds on getting to the America’s Cup and after that, hopefully knocking Alinghi off the perch. Who is going to be ETNZ’s biggest opponent? It would have to be Oracle followed by Luna Rossa. Oracle have the budget and the sailors. And if you look at the kiwi sailors in the boat, it is hard not to be impressed if not a little threatened. Also having Farr mixing it up with Juan Kouyoumdjian and Ian Burns will add a lot of kudos. Luna Rossa also has a healthy budget and have added in Tom Schnachenberg and Grant Spanhake, but Torben Grael and James Spithill can also be the tipping factor. What is ETNZ’s x-factor? I think there x-factor is in the ‘heart’ they have thrown into the campaign this time round. There was something not right with the last campaigns marketing and they learned from it and have walked softer and been more focused on what is important and what is there end goal. Aaron Young, SailorWho do you think will go on to challenge Alinghi, and why? ETNZ, learnt from last time, properly managed and organized this time unlike last time and spent time on water rather than talking it up. The planning and preparation is the key here Do your heart and your ahead agree? Yes in this case, only just because the challenger series will see lots of upsets on the way. Who is going to be ETNZ’s biggest opponent? Aside from Alinghi who I believe will retain the cup, Oracle are the biggest challenge What is ETNZ’s x-factor? Don’t have one really but preparation and having lost the cup they know what that feels like and so fear losing and letting themselves down and the public down. This could be the last TNZ challenge so its now or never Nick White, Professional Navigator, Software Developer You're going to get a very biased viewpoint from your census! In reality, no one knows, including anyone involved in any of the teams. However, it is very likely that one of TNZ, Prada, Mascalzone, Oracle or the Swedes will sail in the AC. Russell Weston, Sailor Who do you think will go on to challenge Alinghi, and why? ETNZ - top challenger, fast boat, great team work & spirit. Do your heart and your ahead agree? No - Head says that Oracle with an extra $100 million at their disposal and the services of a great designer (Juan Kouyoumdjian) + that other guy who has been trying to win this thing for years should produce the fastest boat. Who is going to be ETNZ’s biggest opponent? ORACLE What is ETNZ’s x-factor? Team Spirit & flawless sailing I hope. Steve Mair, Director, Manson MarineWho do you think will go on to challenge Alinghi, and why? The winner of the Louis Vuiton Cup. Because that’s the rules. Do your heart and your ahead agree? Yes, always. Who is going to be ETNZ’s biggest opponent? Well technically they are all the same size. What is ETNZ’s x-factor? A Catamaran, but I didn’t know ETNZ owned it Anonymous, Sailing Journalist Who do you think will go on to challenge Alinghi, and why? ETNZ because they appear to be sailing consistently Do your heart and your ahead agree? Yes Who is going to be ETNZ’s biggest opponent? Oracle What is ETNZ’s x-factor? Their Kiwiness and team spirit. They seem to have a good atmosphere in the base. (c) Crew.org.nz 21 April 2007 |