Sailing buffs get ready! The race for the most coveted sailing trophy, the America's Cup, kicks off this week. Five teams set sail from sun-kissed Barcelona, aiming to outshine the defending champions, New Zealand, in the 37th edition of the Cup. The New Zealanders, who won't accumulate points in the early stages, agreed to participate in the Louis Vuitton Cup to conduct tests with an equal vessel.
The challengers include powerhouses like Team Ineos Britannia, led by four-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Ben Ainslie, Patrizio Bertelli's Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, the US team NYYC American Magic, Ernesto Bertarelli's Alinghi Red Bull Racing, and the French underdog, Orient Express Racing.
The Orient Express, with its 54-year-old German-French team leader Stephan Kandler, finds itself in a financial bind, facing off against titans with budgets surpassing 100 million euros. Kandler, with half of the budget as the Kiwis and a third of the others, remains optimistic. Kandler and co-director Bruno Dubois leverage an unusual Cup rule, purchasing a completed design package from the Kiwis and enhancing their boat independently.
Despite facing financial hurdles, Orient Express has shown growth. In the last preliminary regatta, they didn't manage to surpass sixth place. However, Kandler sees improvement as the gap between teams has narrowed more than ever before.
Feel the thrill as the teams race towards glory, with the battle-hardened Orient Express Racing sailing beneath the Barcelona sun.
Additional Insights:
Financial details of Orient Express and their competitors are scant, as sources mainly focus on the broader financial performance of LVMH, Luna Rossa's parent company, which recorded high revenue and profits despite challenging economic conditions. Technically, the teams seek strategic planning, investments in technology, and potential sponsorships to thrive in the competition.
