More Opining

America's Cup: Team principal’s Opinions (Part Two of Three)

By Sebastien Destremau

The following is the second part of the story released yesterday - The third and final part will be published tomorrow.

Recap: A few weeks ago, we asked all the main actors to express themselves on the Appellate Division of the New York Court’s ruling and the consequences of the American’s appeal. We did receive replies from the title holder Alinghi as well as Shosholoza, Team FrenchSpirit, Argo Challenge, K-Challenge and Mascalzone Latino. Four challengers - Team Germany, Team Origin, BMW Oracle and Team New Zealand - did send a “no comments” replies while Desafio Español, Fuxia Challenge and Aire did not see fit to respond to our request.

It should be noted that new developments are taking place since these interviews were made however we thought appropriate to release this story (in three parts) this week. Following is a series of interviews prepared by Sebastien Destremau, with a hint of bitterness and BMWOracle’s deafening silence.

SD: Do you think BMWOracle was right in appealing this latest decision? And in your opinion are their reasons genuine or self serving?

Capt Sarno (Shosholoza): The question has become now a personal issue and even worst a battle between lawyers and advocates which mean an endless legal battle based on the technicality. BMW Oracle has never been genuine and has pursued only their own interests.

Brad Butterworth (Alinghi): I could understand BMWOracle’s strategy for pushing the DoG match as early as possible when they had a head start on us. But now, this advantage is gone and their decision to appeal doesn’t make sense unless they only want to win the right to sail the Cup in court and not on the water.

Marc Pajot (Team FrenchSpirit): In pure legal terms, the Americans have found a loophole. The 33rd America’s Cup in multihull can be very interesting from an architectural point of view and therefore very positive for the French. >From a sporting stand point, there is no question about accessing to a final without having to participate in the selections series. It goes against all the values of high-level sporting.

Vincenzo Onorato (Mascalzone Latino): No doubt about it, if someone has some doubt regarding BMW Oracle decision to appeal the latest decision, I would suggest to go and read again Alinghi's protocol, which is the most unsporting document ever done.

Stephane Kandler (K.Challenge): I think this is a battle of giants in which smaller teams have nothing to win. It happened before during the Cup and I am amused when people are saying it is not a fair event: it was never the case! Remember that the British challenges had to cross the Atlantic on their competing boat to challenge the Americans... On the other hand it proves that there is no other more challenging event in the world, because to win you really have to be the best in all areas; even in court.

Antonio Spinelli (Argo Challenge): We think it is reasonable that if someone has an opportunity, he shall use it. Sometimes you want to be genuine and you seem self serving, or exactly the contrary. It’s very difficult to have an opinion on this, whilst is it obvious that not enough people were able to foresee the impact on the image of this event.

SD: Do you foresee an out of court settlement between GGYC and SNG?

Vincenzo Onorato: I don't think so, as Alinghi never really shows its intention to mediate.

Capt Sarno: No, I do not think this is possible …. knowing all the people involved.

Marc Pajot: There are things much worse in today’s world and it would be great to see these two gentlemen grow-up a little. It is absurd not to have found an amicable solution. The Americans have the attitude of wanting to be the nice guys at all costs.

Antonio Spinelli: It would be great, but it seems very difficult.

Brad Butterworth: Sir Keith Mills of TeamOrigin has generously offered to be a mediator, so who knows what might happen? We would welcome an out of court settlement to put this ridiculous situation behind us now and get back to a proper multi challenger America’s Cup as soon as possible. However I don’t even know what our options are right now and I am not going to hold my breath on a settlement!

SD: Should GGYC lose the next legal round, will you look favorable at them competing in the next America’s Cup?

Marc Pajot: I have no opinion on the issue except that the rules will be applied to them and they will have to adapt to it.

Brad Butterworth: Yes, with open arms definitively. BMWOracle is a great team and we would love to have them in the next event. However we would have to run past this decision with all the Challengers. After all they are the ones that have been suffering the most lately and I cannot anticipate their decision as some of them are very upset about the present situation

Vincenzo Onorato: I don't think that Oracle will lose the next legal round.

Antonio Spinelli: Yes, of course. If you lost in a court, you should have the possibility to compete with the rules of the winner in the water. Legal affairs are different from sport competition and we as a team believe in sailing competition, leaving the court's affairs to lawyers.

Capt Sarno: My opinion is they should be banned from all the sporting competitions and not only the sailing.

Part three next.