The team boss of the South African America's Cup syndicate Salvatore Sarno has admitted that it was a big mistake to gloss over the team's problems in recent acts in Valencia.
At a press conference in Cape Town, he said: "We wanted to show the world that we were the first team to be able to build and sail a new-generation cupper. But we ran out of time. The boat was anything but finished. We only sailed it for an hour and a half before the race. That was crazy.
When the mast problems arose and we had to buy an old rig from Alinghi, we had new problems. The new sails no longer fitted. In addition, the hydraulics didn't work. It's like driving a Formula 1 car with only one gear.
But as typical South Africans, we were too proud to admit the problems. We sailed every day, finished every race and laughed even when we lost. That was a big mistake."
Salvatore Sarno therefore wants to change the strategy of the T-Systems-sponsored team and involve more professionals.
In Malmö, match racing legend Chris Law will be at the helm for some of the starts. The Brit was previously coach for the South Africans, but the team has always vehemently denied any long-term commitment.
Former Danish match race world champion Sten Mohr will also be joining the team in Sweden. He will help as a coach and tactics expert.
John Sweene, the former Sports Director of BMW Oracle and America True, will also support Tim Kröger's team in Sweden in this role.
However, the mast problems will continue to slow down the team in Malmö. After the new profile broke during training, it has not yet been possible to procure a replacement.
