When things don't go according to plan during a sailing regatta, it's time for some cheering VIP guests. On Thursday, entrepreneur, sailor and balloon adventurer Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson and his entourage visited the America's Cup harbour in Valencia.
During his tour, the 59-year-old Virgin boss made sure to divide his time fairly between the feuding team bosses Larry Ellison and Ernesto Bertarelli. The good-humoured Briton also made time for a brief meeting with around 150 journalists, who were enjoying the change of scenery under blue skies between cancelled races and the next approaching storm... Here is the essence:
How do you see the duel between the two Cup giants?
Both teams now have to put the court battle behind them. Now there's a battle at sea ahead of them and I'm looking forward to seeing it. It could be tomorrow, but it will almost certainly be on Sunday. I think both teams are more interested in good winds than rough seas.
Obviously Ernesto is her mate. What about Larry?
I have a lunch date with Ernesto and a dinner date with Larry. It's great to see them both.
What is your relationship with sailing?
I love sailing. I like sailing on small sailing boats. Hobie Cats, for example. But having said that, last year I also tried to break the transatlantic record with my children. On that occasion, we had to deal with nasty gale-force winds and heavy seas. Our mainsail broke at the time...
Are you interested in the Americas Cup yourself?
I've just had lunch with the British team boss Mike Sanderson. He's a great man and I've already sailed with him. Fortunately, TeamOrigin is already well supported. Hopefully eight, nine, ten nations can take part in the next Americas Cup and we can have another Americas Cup as it should be.
Are you planning to take part in the Cup with a Virgin team?
At the moment, we are not planning to take part in the Americas Cup. Of course it would be nice, but fortunately the British Americas Cup team has the necessary resources. If there is a problem - who knows... Maybe at some point in the distant future there will be a Virgin boat in the Americas Cup after all...
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
