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Alinghi syndicate head Ernesto Bertarelli has accused Team New Zealand supporters in Valencia of souring the America's Cup regatta by abusing Kiwi members of his syndicate.
But Team New Zealand's managing director, Grant Dalton, says he has not seen any hostility between the New Zealand fans and Alinghi.
Bertarelli's salvo comes 10 days before the much awaited America's Cup rematch between challenger Team New Zealand and cup-holder Alinghi starts on June 24 (NZT).
Bertarelli's remarks were a reminder of the depth of feeling which existed at the 2003 regatta in Auckland when bitter criticism was directed at the New Zealand sailors who left Team New Zealand for Alinghi.
Bertarelli told the New York Times that the mood was turning uglier in Valencia, citing the attitude of New Zealand supporters.
"The aggression toward our Kiwis, I mean, it's seven years now," Bertarelli said. "Let it be. Let it go."
He says his team have put 2003 behind them and so should Team NZ supporters.
The Swiss defender has several New Zealand sailors, including skipper and former Team NZ member Brad Butterworth. Others include Warwick Fleury, Simon Daubney, and Murray Jones.
Dalton said he has heard that there has been some yelling from the dock, and it disappointed him.
"Yes I understand that sport is about that sort of thing but I also know that the team have moved on from that stage," Dalton said.
Since the America's Cup regatta started in April, hundreds of New Zealanders have flocked to Valencia to support Team New Zealand.
Apart from a small group of young people who have been seen intoxicated, they have been well-behaved.
During the final against Luna Rossa, the Kiwi fans cheered when the Italian boat sailed past and yelled out words of support.
Dalton said he had not seen any hostility between the Kiwi fans and Alinghi, but he had heard about it.
He said Team New Zealand had received only support from the many yachting fans who line the canal to cheer when the boats are towed to and from the course.
The exception was two elderly Spanish women who gave his team the thumbs down.
"Which I enjoyed, I thought it was funny as hell. Particularly this one that was standing next to a cop; she was about 75 wearing a floral frock. I thought it was really cute."
The last America's Cup in Auckland was tainted by the Blackheart campaign, which aimed to unsettle the likes of Russell Coutts and Butterworth who were accused of putting money before their country.
Said Dalton: "2003, I thought, was an ugly time."
"I don't think there is anyone who is proud now of 03 in terms of Blackheart and that sort of thing. Certainly this place isn't. I hope it doesn't continue. It is not really in the New Zealand culture."
Bertarelli also took a swipe at suggestions that Team New Zealand would bring back the nationality rule if they won the cup.
Alinghi scrapped the rule, thereby allowing sailors from any nation to work for a syndicate without having to fulfil citizenship or residency requirements.
"The nationality rule he's speaking about is obviously mainly directed to Alinghi, so I guess that's the thank you note for helping him get his team together," Bertarelli said of Dalton.
Team New Zealand borrowed several million dollars from Bertarelli when they were struggling to fund a campaign. The money has been repaid.
Dalton said no decision had been made on nationality.
