Power Steering for Coutts

The victorious Alinghi campaign was described by Larry Ellison, head of Oracle as, “a fine Swiss watch with a few Kiwi parts”, none more influential than helmsman Russell Coutts. The win establishing him as one of the greatest sailors in the long history of the event, becoming the first skipper to win the America’s Cup for two countries and setting the record for overall wins with 14, breaking a tie with Dennis Conner. “I am a New Zealander. Make no bones about that,” Coutts said during the champagne-splashed tow back to port. “But I am immensely proud of what we’ve achieved at Alinghi. It’s been a lot of hard work for me, and as a professional sailor, frankly, I’m proud of what I’ve done.” Bertarelli heaped praise on his Aotearoa advantage: “I think New Zealand should be proud of these sailors,” he said. “Think about it … you guys produced sailors who have won 15 America’s Cup races in a row and are still undefeated.”