Now it's certain: for the first time in 155 years, a German syndicate will compete for the Louis Vuitton Cup, the challenger round for the America's Cup, off Valencia in 2007. A historic moment!
A medium-sized Internet company signed up at the proverbial last minute after well-known companies had declined. Ralph Dommermuth, founder and CEO of United Internet AG (including 1&1, GMX ), is making it possible for the company to take part in the world's most important sailing event.
The likeable entrepreneur, known as a clever marketing strategist, is expected to provide up to 25 million euros for Fresh 17 and is therefore the title sponsor. According to YACHT information, there will be no other major sponsor.
The supervisory board of the Munich-based consortium led by organiser Uwe Sasse still has to give its approval today, but the go-ahead is considered certain. Jesper Bank, who is to steer the Cupper and will play a key role in the future, has also signalled his approval. This means that the most important hurdles have been cleared.
Last week, United Internet boss Dommermuth had already transferred the entry fee of 1.25 million to the America's Cup management. Fresh17 is now officially the challenger. Previously, only one German syndicate had made it this far: Mike Illbruck's Pinta Racing, which had entered for 2002/03 but then had to cancel all activities due to a lack of sponsors.
It is still unclear whether Jesper bank's team will be able to compete in the next upcoming pre-regattas (Act 4 and 5, from 16 June in Valencia). This is a prerequisite for participation in the Louis Vuitton Cup in 2007 and time seems extremely short. Fresh 17 still has no boats and no complete crew. And even if this could be organised at short notice, there would not be enough time for serious preparation.
Good news for German sailing fans: with the entry of United Internet, ARD and ZDF will have more coverage. The broadcasters had secured the rights to the Cup in advance, but made the scope of coverage dependent on the existence of a German team.
Tomorrow on YACHT online: Fresh 17's strategy, the background to Ralph Dommermuth's decision and what chances the Germans have off Valencia.
Jochen Rieker
Herausgeber YACHT
