Alinghi, America's Cup & Louis Vuitton Cup

Nils Frei (SUI) ~ Trimmer

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?

“Alinghi is the strongest team in the world. The most experienced sailors are in this team and I am proud to be a part of it.”

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

“Boat speed and tactics are Alinghi’s strengths.”

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

“There is always pressure. When you make very few mistakes you normally win the race. The worst thing is making little mistakes that cost you a race, to avoid those mistakes you have to be prepared physically and mentally.”

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

“Hopefully we will all sleep well because we will be very well prepared and there won’t be any unnecessary stress on us.”

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.

“The trimmer has close communication with the helmsman. We are part of the driving group and we’re always talking about the pressure in the sail and how the boat feels. If we get that wrong we go slower. If the boat is slower the chances of winning the race becomes much more difficult.”