Another AC Syndicate?

Who the hell knows if this has anything to it, but we thought we'd give it a look. The man in charge of the well, we don't know what it is called yet, is one Vinny Gagliani, a name we've never heard before this. Here is what he has to say. -Ed

You've announced an AC program. What elements do you have in place to make us think there is something real to this announcement?

VG
Well, for the record and all, I didn't just up yesterday morning and say I'm going to do a AC campaign. I started work on this AC project since June 2003 and since then a number of objectives have been met. The elements that I currently have in place that make this annoncement very soild is that we are able to secure sailors from almost eight different countries who will come together for first time this fall to launch the Road To 2007 Program. Also, we have a high level of interest from companies here in the Virgin Islands. Recently, there has been a "investment boom" here in the VI such as the construction of new hotels, a yacht haven, and a number of other highly profitable businesses that are willing to sponsor the team. Currently, we just began serious discussions with several large corporations that are on the Forbes 500. On the date of our official program launch we will reveal our sponsors, team members, and of course our racing yachts.

Why do this? You will have almost no chance of winning, let alone getting out of the LVC with anything other than a beating.

VG
It's like the lottery, you don't have a ticket, you don't have a chance. I'll admit to you that we are going to take a very heavy beating in the LVC, but the beating has already started even before I made the announcment. Sailors who are currently with other teams have condemned my challenge and when that took place I felt to do this AC project even more. Above it all, the America's Cup in Europe after 153 years....why not give it a shot?

There are some of the biggest heavy hitters and the deepest pockets in the sport in the AC. How do you propose to be competitive with them?

VG
To become competitve it first starts in the mind and then in actually displaying our competitiveness on the race course. Working around the mindset of the individual values of each team member (mind) then sewing those values together in our in house training program. Once we have completed those two steps the rest fall right into place. The sewing process will encompass the values of professionalism, team work, and the drive to always improve. I want to create an image of this team that even if we are defeated our image we be present in the America's Cup after 2007.

What is your budget, and what confirmed funding do you have?

VG
The budget of the team is modest. Looking at it all it will take about 40 million dollars to be competitive. In June 2003, I started to think about a 110 million dollar budget, but looking at the figure over the last six months there is only so much you can do with that figure, a very soild program can be put together at 30 million. At this point in time I cannot comment about the confirmed or prospective funding because then it puts our entire program at risk.

What is your financial stake in this?

VG
My financial stake is next to zero. When I looking at the big challengers now and what they are doing it morally relies on the owner/backer of the challenge. In that respect they are giving the imagine of the cup a billionaire only game and showing off their syndicates as their toys.

Who is going to skipper the boat?

VG
We will give all that and more away at our Road to the 2007 America's Cup program launch this fall or winter. It will surely be a spectacular event.

Who is going to design the boat? Will there be more than one boat?

VG
We will also give that away at the program launch this fall or winter. Our budget is designed around a two boat program.

What is the next step for you and do you have a drop dead date?

VG
The next step for me would be to work on the formula that will bring this challenge up to the level of the big two. Working with prospective partners in bringing them on board our seemless program. Also, working on our Road to the 2007 America's program launch. The drop dead date for sure will probably be when the challenge period ends.

Good luck and keep us informed!

VG
Thanks Alot! Sure will keep you informed!