Alinghi on a Rolle

Bowman Yves Detrey, back on the D35s after a three year break while racing the America’s Cup Class, gives some insight on today's racing:
"Of today's races, race one and three were pretty good: two victories, two good races. It was really good sailing and smooth on the boat. Unfortunately the second race was not particularly good; we finished seventh and everything went wrong from the start to the finishing line. We had a bad start and even the manoeuvres, tacks and gybes weren't very smooth. It was a strange moment on an Alinghi boat!"

This time you have a slightly different crew compared to the previous event two weeks ago, how is that working out?
"The main difference now is that Murray (Jones) is steering – he was doing tactics last time – and we have had a few hiccoughs with communication; the switch between French and English, but that will improve for tomorrow's racing."

Alinghi is doing all these regattas with a goal in mind: to prepare for the 33rd America's Cup. How is this helping you personally?
"In many ways: the way you move around the boat, for example, plus the tactics are not the same as match racing monohulls. Everything is different: the laylines, getting the timing right; these boats are much faster, they accelerate very quickly. So every moment of practice is welcome for our goal: the next America's Cup in 2009."

What are the main differences between the D35 in this circuit and the X40s?
"For me the X40s are underpowered boats compared to these Décision 35s. The D35 is much more powerful: the mast is bigger, the sail area is bigger. Even though they are both multi-hulls, it's a different world."

You are back to the D35 circuit after a few years, what are the main differences you can see?
"I think the boats are much better now, the level is much higher. Nowadays there are professional sailors on all the boats. The fleet has improved a lot and the racing is pretty tight; this is a very good thing for us. This is what we want and need: tight racing that pushes us to learn and practice as much as we can."

Alinghi crew:
Murray Jones, helmsman
Pierre-Yves Jorand, mainsail trimmer
Yves Detrey, bowman
Nils Frei, headsail trimmer
Andrew Graham, trimmer
Tanguy Cariou, tactician