After the German America's Cup fan club B-Linghi, founded by sailmaker Frank Schönfeldt and Tim Kröger, had already changed its name to Operation B in order to avoid announced disputes due to its proximity to Alinghi, there is now new trouble.
The America's Cup Management (ACM) prohibits Schönfeldt from using the words "America's Cup 2007" on the website. www.operation-b.de and to advertise on shirts.
The term is legally protected. Schönfeldt reacted with incomprehension. "How can you start a campaign if you're not allowed to advertise with the name? Should I write: We would like to be part of a famous regatta that will soon be taking place near Valencia?" Hamburg lawyer Dirk Borgwart, a participant in the last DCNAC, considers the approach to be "petty" and hopes to solve the problem "on an amicable level".
The initiative, which is supposed to symbolise German America's Cup enthusiasm, has also faltered in other respects. Shortly after it was founded in December 2003, 1000 fans visited the website every day, but today only a hard core of 60 enthusiasts still meet. "There are some good design ideas from universities. And PR initiatives. But there's not enough media coverage at the moment. The Cup is still too far away to attract attention," says Schönfeldt.
The donation account stands at 5,500 euros. "Hope," says Schönfeldt, "dies last."
