Audemars Piguet and YACHT online are giving away Alinghi fan merchandise
Lanyards, caps and rucksacks with a special emotional value: the fan articles to be raffled off from Alinghi sponsor, watch manufacturer Audemars Piguet, are not available in this form in the Swiss syndicate's shop.
Showing solidarity makes sense: the team from the Alpine country now carries the hopes of continental Europe, various sailing professionals and also many sponsors.
If the Swiss win and the next Cup is held in Europe, this should interest more financiers, which could result in more ships being launched. If the Cup is won, locations such as Sète in France, Palma de Mallorca in Spain or unspecified harbours in Italy are currently being (unofficially) discussed.
From a German perspective, Alinghi deserves attention due to two team members: four-time Olympic medallist Jochen Schümann is the sporting director and fulfils the important role of strategist on board. Alinghi's main designer is Dutch-born Rolf Vrolijk, who lives in Hamburg and elsewhere.
Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT
