Alinghi, America's Cup & Louis Vuitton Cup

Meet the crew ~ Josh Belsky (USA) ~ Pitman

Photo credit: Ivo Rovira / Alinghi

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

“If I have the opportunity to sail in the Match it will be agreat honour. It will be my fourth time and there is nothing in sailing to me that is equivalent, other than maybe doing a round the world race.”

Photo credit: Ivo Rovira / Alinghi

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

“I think we’ve done a fantastic job of working on the finite differences in rigs and bulbs and keels. Those small things all add up to make a big difference. But it still remains to be seen, once the Louis Vuitton Cup is over, whether we will be that much faster than the Challenger.”

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

“Our training days are much more physically demanding. We have set the programme up so that our racing days are physically much easier. Mentally, you have all your buddies around you so it makes it easy because you are used to sailing with that group, you’re used to the pressure, so it’s a piece of cake.”

Photo credit: Ivo Rovira / Alinghi

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

“Whether to have pizza or steak and fries for dinner! It’s what we have been training for and a lot of us have been in that position before. You can’t wait to get out there. It’s a yacht race, so if you are well prepared there shouldn’t be any stress.”

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 sandwiches are the most important thing on the boat so I have to decide whether we have mayonnaise or mustard – it’s a vital role!”