|
This will be the first German
challenge to sail for the America's Cup in its 154-year history.
United Internet Team Germany, (formerly known as the 'Fresh 17'
project) will be led on the water by Danish skipper Jesper Bank, a
two-time Olympic gold medallist and previous America's Cup skipper
in 2002/2003 with the Swedish team.
The team has acquired the Mascalzone Latino boat from the last
America's Cup, now GER 72, and it is this boat, converted to Version
5 of the class rule, that the team will campaign in 2005.
United Internet Team Germany will compete in each of the Louis
Vuitton Acts leading up to the main events in 2007. Their first
racing on the water will be in Valencia in Acts 4 & 5 beginning 16th
June. The team will compete closer to home in Malmö-Skåne, Sweden in
August and conclude the season with racing in Trapani, Sicily at the
end of September.
United Internet Team Germany is starting late to the project,
although the talent and experience of Jesper Bank will allow the
team some shortcuts past the usual growing pains associated with a
new team. Despite that, expectations should be kept in check for the
2005 season. But this German team is one to watch for improvement
over time, as it should be advancing up the learning curve quite
quickly over the next year or so.
|
Yacht Club
Deutscher Challenger Yacht Club
Country:
Germany (GER)
Sail Numbers:
GER 72, GER 89
Syndicate Established:
2005
Syndicate Head:
Michael Scheeren
Helmsman:
Jesper Bank |
