Alinghi, America's Cup & Louis Vuitton Cup

Matt Mitchell (NZL) ~ Mid-bowman

Photo credit: Ivo Rovira / Alinghi

Photo credit: Ivo Rovira / Alinghi

Photo credit: Ivo Rovira / Alinghi

What does it mean to you to be sailing for Alinghi and defending the America’s Cup?

“It’s a fun team with a good bunch of boys and it’s great to go yachting with people who are good at it.”

Alinghi clearly still has what it takes to win. In your opinion, what elements of the team set it apart from the rest?

“Apart from the fact that we are the Defender, we’ve got the best of the pick of people that are good at sailing these boats.”

Can you describe the physical and mental demands that racing at this level has on you?

“I just focus on doing my training and then doing my yachting. The event itself asks more of your brain, but you just have to concentrate on your job.”

What do you think will be going through your head when you are lying in bed the night before the Match?

“I hope I will be sleeping!”

Describe your role on the boat and how it could make or break the outcome of a race and essentially affect whether or not Alinghi retains the Cup.

“As mid bowman, if the job goes well, you don’t have a huge opportunity to win the race. But you have a huge opportunity to mess it up, that’s for sure. So I just have to concentrate on doing my job well.”