Alinghi stands for superlatives. It is the first team to win an America's Cup at the first attempt and to do so in an impressively superior manner. This DVD follows the journey from Auckland to Valencia.
The DVD begins with footage of the Cup win against New Zealand off Auckland in 2003, which is always worth watching, and covers a wide range of topics. The separation from helmsman Russell Coutts is not concealed, although it is dealt with rather superficially. It also deals with the search for a venue for the first Cup event in Europe, a lengthy process that was finally won by Valencia. Or the new format of the pre-regattas, which keep the Americas Cup exciting between the actual races. The course and results of these so-called acts are the core theme of the DVD.
Interviews with syndicate boss Ernesto Bertarelli, chief designer Rolf Vrolijk, design coordinator Grant Simmer and others round off the in-depth insight into the successful team. The bonus material explains the crew positions and introduces the challengers. Overall worth watching, exciting and well made, but less in-depth than the team's DVD produced during and after the 2003 win.
The DVD "The Defenders Challenge" costs 21.30 euros and is available in the
Alinghi webshop to order
Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT
