69er

madforsailing Le Defi crewman Tim Kroger talks about life inside Le Defi Areva camp

Construction on FRA-69 started at Gilles Ollier's Chantier Multiplast at the beginning of November. There been some mis-information over the second boat. Originally rather than build a second new boat Le Defi were going to have FRA-46 completely rebuilt to the extent that she would have to have a new sail number - FRA-79, but instead they are having a second new boat built.

Despite his previous experience, this will be Kroger's first America's Cup. "It is a lot of work and responsbility. It's great," he says. His first impression of sailing an America's Cup Class boat was of the enormous loads you feel in the boat when it is fully charged up. "Especially in waves and a bit more breeze at around 20-22 knots. Normally 25-26 knots is the limit, although you can play with them in 30 knots. But in waves you've got a bit on because the loads are just enormous. You have a hull which weighs 4-5 tonnes and you have a 20 tonne bulb just 4m underneath and it is just incredible. That is something really special. And if you have the ability to train with two boats - it's fantastic."

They are to continue training in Lorient until mid-July at which time everything will be shipped down to the old illbruck base they have taken over in Syndicate Alley. Taking over the German base amuses Kroger. "For me especially it is very ironic. Apparently Le Defi Francais is taking over German bases! First the submarine base and now in Auckland."

Obviously for this America's Cup there will be some very tough competition for Le Defi Areva, but Kroger is confident. "It is hard to rate yourself, because at the moment you don't know how fast your boat is. If you've got a rocket you don't have to match race so much. Basically the AC is not so much about match racing. It is about having a fast boat and sailing that boat fast. We are quite confident that we can do this. We are going to be pushing to develop the boat as fast as possible. There's a lot of good ideas and creativity on it."

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The new boat up against NZL-32