Former Team New Zealand sailor and coach Joey Allen believes Alinghi could be a major force at the next America's Cup.
Alinghi, Team NZ's old nemesis, will make a return for the 37th America's Cup after an 11-year absence.
As first reported by the Herald, the Swiss syndicate – owned by billionaire Ernesto Bertarelli – has paid the initial $1.47 million entry fee for the next edition of the event.
Speaking to Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking, Allen said the return of Alinghi makes the next America's Cup even more intriguing.
"These guys are very serious and they do things very well. I think it just says that the event is going to be a hell of a lot better than the last one. This is a very, very credible challenger," Allen said.