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Brad BUTTERWORTH (NZL), team skipper, has raced against him on the match racing circuit for years. 'We look forward to having Peter GILMOUR on board as a consultant to provide us with a fresh, objective analysis of our performance,' he says, adding, 'When you race in-house as regularly as we do, it is vital to measure yourself against outside competitors and as there is just a fleet race left before the Match, we won't have this opportunity. Therefore we are seeking an objective point of view and bringing in an outsider of Peter's calibre will hopefully bring some new ideas and a critical analysis of our match race skills.'

Familiar Competitors

Helmsmen Ed BAIRD (USA) and Peter HOLMBERG (ISV) are both familiar competitors of GILMOUR and value his match racing expertise. BAIRD commented, 'It will be great to have Gilly with us to help train. I've had some great matches against him over the last 15 years, and I know he'll spice up our preparation for the Cup.' HOLMBERG added his view, 'This is another step in our preparation to the Cup. We hope that having Peter on board will bring some fresh ideas to our match race game.'

GILMOUR commented on being a consultant to the Defender, 'I am really looking forward to this role with Alinghi in preparation for their first defence of the America's Cup. There is a formidable line up of challengers vying to get themselves into the Match. As a team, Alinghi was the most admired and complete group in the 2003 Cup and has maintained this pre-eminent position in the world of sailing. Hopefully I should be able to add one or two new items to the repertoire of the team.'

Alinghi is launching the UBS Dubai Defender Trials from the 31 January-3 February with Round 1, followed by Round 2 from 16-19 February at the end of which the helmsman and afterguard for Louis Vuitton Act 13 will be announced.

The America's Cup Match and Challenger/Defender Series are designated as ISAF Special Events. For more information on the America's Cup, the Louis Vuttion Acts and the teams competing, visit the official America's Cup website - www.americascup.com.