In the heart of the Marina
The Swiss America's Cup team, founded by Ernesto Bertarelli, has taken up residence in an ultra-modern structure in the heart of Barcelona's old port. In this building, developed to optimize the performance of both athletes and equipment, some 150 people are hard at work to win the world's oldest sporting trophy.
The other teams are based in the 4 corners of the harbour, in highly visible facilities, yet ambiguously cultivating a taste for secrecy. The Alinghi team has decided to open part of its base to the public, in order to share its adventure.
Defender Team New Zealand, the first to choose its location, has set up on the opposite bank from the other teams. Ineos Britania is on the same quay as Alinghi, while the French team Orient Express is on the opposite bank, as are American Magic and Luna Rossa.
A base built around a boathouse
To enter this brand-new building, built on the ruins of an abandoned cinema, you have to show your credentials. Built in just 5 months, the 4,600 m2 base features the corporate identity of other Red Bull sports teams.
The ground floor houses the boathouse, which adjoins the various technical rooms: a floor for sails, a mast room, a hydraulic and electrical workshop, as well as seamanship tools.
The second floor is dedicated to the research and development department, which employs the largest number of staff. This is the most secretive part of the base. Even if certain one-design elements of the AC75 are common to all teams - the one-design - innovation remains a key element in the race for the Cup.
Au 2 e on the first floor are the kitchen, gym, bar and huge terrace overlooking the crane area.
An impressive tool
On the quay, we find the crane used for the various handling operations. The AC 75 is lifted out of the water after each sail, bearing in mind that this 75-foot hull displaces barely 6 tons in running order. A huge cradle fits completely into the boathouse, which is fully enclosed to prevent prying eyes.
The closeness of the team's various departments is an undeniable asset, since sailors, technicians and engineers can communicate easily.
Each outing is supervised by at least two tenders from the team, and another dedicated to organization. And if conditions aren't right for sailing, the sailors train on a simulator, which we won't have the chance to see.
In keeping with Swiss tradition, a large bell is installed next to the crane, and a crew member rings it before each sail.
