On Monday, Alinghi Red Bull Racing progressed to the Semi-Finals of the Louis Vuitton Cup. The Swiss Challenger has had a few days to reflect on its first-round performance ahead of racing on Saturday. While there were highs and lows in the opening weeks of racing, the team showed steady and concrete improvements throughout the stage. “We were a bit on the back foot during the first Round Robin, but we managed to come back, and we never stopped believing that we could make it,” said Skipper Arnaud Psarofaghis, who is confident the team is on an upward trajectory. “Everyone stayed focused and pushed, and we made the cut.”

During this week’s pause in racing, the Swiss team has been using the time to analyse performance data, adjust their setup, and plan their strategy for the next stage. Dependability of equipment is a crucial factor in the high-tech world of the AC75, and the reliability of BoatOne has lived up to expectations so far. Between stages, teams are permitted to make certain modifications to their boats to achieve performance gains. “We’re making some tweaks to the boat that you’ll see the next time it comes out of the shed,” said Psarofaghis. “Every little detail can be worked on, both above and below the water, and even inside the boat.”

As the top-ranked team from the previous stage, tomorrow Ineos Britannia will select their Semi-Final opponent ahead of racing on Saturday. Psarofaghis says Alinghi Red Bull Racing will be ready for any outcome. “For us it doesn’t really matter. The goal will be to go out there, keep improving, and win every race to make it to the Louis Vuitton Cup Final.”

The Louis Vuitton Cup Semi-Finals are set to start on Saturday 14th September at 14:00 CET, with two races scheduled for each duo.