Stäfa, January 21, 2003 - Following Alinghi's qualification for the America's Cup, Russell Coutts (Skipper and Executive Director) took some time to reflect on the competition so far and to contemplate the ingredients for potential success in the Americas Cup:
"Getting through to the America's Cup has been a big step but we have to focus on our next goal of making it through the America's Cup and ultimately. We feel we've made a big improvement in our on board communication and teamwork during the last round. We had a new team at the start of the campaign and I've been very encouraged by the progress we're making. Rotating crew has reaped rewards - as has our specially developed wireless on- board communication system which has played a key role in successfully communicating instructions in tough weather conditions", describes Coutts.
The wireless system in operation on the Alinghi yacht was developed by Phonak Communications in Murten Switzerland. The inductive loop technology links crew members directly to the skipper so that individual commands can be communicated clearly and instantly. Each crewmember wears a unique, Phonak hearing device tucked securely behind the ear. These instruments are waterproof and robust enough to handle the wind and water that dominates their operational environment.
Use of the system has the joint aim of providing winning communication and safety.
Looking forward to the challenges ahead, Coutts continues, "We're starting to see improvements in other countries - for instance Great Britain did really well in the last Olympics and now they came back competing in the cup which is fantastic."
The Americas Cup is scheduled from 12th February until 1st March.
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