Ingvall looks to the America's Cup

Sydney-based Finn wants to put Australia back on the world yachting map

Fifth home in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race was past two time handicap winner of the race, Ludde Ingvall and his super maxi YuuZoo.

On his arrival in Hobart, Ingvall, now an Australian resident, announced he would be teaming up with his YuuZoo co-skipper David Witt, one of Australia’s most experienced skiff sailors and ocean racers. The pair plans to put Australia back on the world sailing charts, including an assault on the America’s Cup.

After a four year sabbatical Ingvall once arrived in Hobart gave his impressions: "It was more fun this time than in 2004. I just enjoyed it. Having been away, I found that I enjoy it still. It’s hard to do things like this if you don’t have a passion for it."

As to his future plans Inigvall's said: "David and I have decided that we would like to work together. David is a great yachtsman."

The twosome’s aim is to increase the scope of Ingvall’s Australian Boat Racing Team; to campaign this and other boats at major regattas, including next year's Rolex Sydney Hobart, but the Holy Grail is Australia’s re-emergence as a challenger for the America's Cup.

"Our plans are to do a lot of things for Australian yachting over the next three to five years. This boat is just of the boats we intend to use in that planning," he said. "The lack of presence of Australia at the America’s Cup is one of the things that has concerned me for the last four years. I can’t understand why a country that changed the history of yachting in the America’s Cup can’t put together a team," said Ingvall.

"I went to Valencia and realised that there were about 27 of my crew on various boats and I realised there were Australians everywhere. I just think Australia needs to be represented and maybe I can bring something to the table.

"I have done this for a long time, and even though I may not do all the races myself, I just want to pass on all the knowledge I have. We have the passion. It is about fulfilling the dreams of Australian yachtsmen and women."

Witt welcomed the prospects: "Ludde and I go back a while. We sailed together in 1997 in Europe on the original Nicorette. In this new relationship, I’m the one that does a lot more of the mechanics and putting the people together. I’m not as old as Ludde, so I think the age difference and the experience helps to put a really good boat team together."