It definitely does not sound right. However, we have learnt that modern sport can encompass almost anything. A landlocked country, without a sailing tradition, and above all without domestic representatives, is the winner of the America’s Cup, an event that for over 150 years has represented the most prestigious sailing competition worldwide.
Of course, there is a tinge of envy on our side, since the boat of Ernesto Bertarelli, chairman of Alinghi but Italian to the core as an entrepreneur, has chosen to compete with Swiss colours, and succeeded where Prada, and previously Azzurra, had failed.

But, just as in the days of the Bologna skiing phenomenon, Alberto Tomba, we cannot but emphasise the peculiarity of the circumstance which, after 152 years, has brought back to Europe the most sought-after trophy in ocean sports. I cannot think of a more fitting example: in geographic terms, the former ski champion is to mountains as Switzerland is to a possible victory in the Gulf of Auraki event.

If we were to draw an even bolder parallel, Alinghi’s challenge had reminded some of a rather frivolous film dating back to a couple of years ago: “Cool Runnings” which dwelt on the improbable bid for worldwide success in bobsleighing made by a Jamaican team during the Olympic Games! But all the aspects which in the American feature film had simply been the product of imagination, ad-libbing and even romanticism, in the success of the 30 metre “made in Switzerland” have been the product of planning, of a victory culture and of significant investments. Again concerning awkward parallels, the Inter football team won its last international competition, the 1997/98 UEFA Cup, with as many as 9 non-Italian players (from within and without the EC). On that occasion, many wondered whether it made any sense at all to talk about the success of an Italian team in Europe.

The same question should therefore be put to our neighbours, when we realise that the winning boat had a real sailing multinational on board, representing as many as 12 different countries. The sailing team, that is the 31 people who manned the craft, had a New Zealand nucleus (8 people), who had offered a key contribution in the last two editions. In particular, we ought to mention Russell Coutts, skipper, and Butterworth, navigator, previously playing a leading role in the 1995/2000 double of the New Zealand boat, Black Magic, and never defeated in 14 America’s Cup races. Therefore, if we review it in terms of mere logic and outward opportunism, the Alinghi example is not one of the best. It is sufficient to “go shopping”, so to speak, away from one’s home ground, and secure the best “products”, to obtain what one wants. What happened immediately after the crucial race which granted the 5-0 result to the Bertarelli sailing club is revealing; in an environment strengthened by the toughness of seafaring life, fairness and a proneness to speak one’s mind without beating about the bush are two very strong features.

New Zealanders did not particularly appreciate the “betrayal” of their fellow countrymen who had chosen to embrace the Swiss cause. And this is why Alinghi and its limited circle of winners was forced to almost steal away from New Zealand, giving up, for obvious safety reasons, the traditional winners’ parade. Better celebrate in Geneva, even though diving in the frozen lake is not as pleasurable as bathing in the waters of the ocean. Waters, of course! We also need to mention the fact that the title clinched by the sailors without a sea will somehow have to be preserved. And when in 2006 new ambitious teams will knock on the door of the America’s Cup holders, a stretch of water will somehow have to be produced to take up the challenge. But the very absence of outlets to the sea that troubles the Swiss conquerors had soon lead to an unedifying “waltz”, especially for the timing displayed by those who offered to provide a home base when Black Magic’s doom had not been sealed yet. Besides France and Spain, we were in the frontline too: cheering our spectacular Italian gulfs and longing to gain something by it (popularity or whatever).

Venice, Elba, Sardinia, Trieste and so on: a whole range of possible nominations thrived. But this would have made sporting sense if Prada or Mascalzone Latino had brought the Cup home, from the other side of the planet. In this way, to be honest, with a whole list of sailing clubs ready to drop like predators upon a country which, owing to objective geographical reasons, is unable to defend its title, the whole issue would surely be a comedown. The Alinghi people have already displayed a good deal of opportunism, in selecting their men. So let us not make a bad name for ourselves in Europe too, lusting after things that are not due to us. I am personally rooting for Portugal. After the black tide caused by the oil tanker that has recently sunk near the Galician coasts, this would be a nice way of reconciling man and sea. Come on, Cascais!

Translated by Interpres sas