Staff at Auckland Hospital had a bit of fun when Alinghi trainer Xavier Jolis decided to pay them a visit.
Jolis spent four days in hospital after breaking his left leg while playing soccer with the Alinghi team last week.
The hospital staff were very friendly and helpful but, like most Kiwis, they were strong home-town supporters for Team New Zealand and decided to play a joke on the man from Alinghi.
According to the Alinghi website, while Jolis was "knocked out" for surgery, a cheeky nurse planted a few stickers on the Alinghi trainer's bandage.
When the anaesthetic wore off and Jolis came around, he looked down at his left cast and had to laugh - on it were a bunch of "Loyal" and "Go Team New Zealand" stickers.
* * *
Over the past two months, the GBR Challenge management team have been reviewing their last campaign and developing plans and budgets for a second campaign.
GBR founder and chairman Peter Harrison has announced a plan for a conditional second challenge which focuses on two areas - a design and development programme and a plan to attract commercial partners to participate in the next campaign.
"We are committed to ensuring that GBR Challenge is in the best possible position to progress forward," Harrison said.
"The experience we have gained in this New Zealand campaign is invaluable."
* * *
Legendary New Zealand singer Dave Dobbyn was in town to watch Team New Zealand battle it out with Alinghi in the fifth race.
Dobbyn, the man behind the Loyal song that's become Team New Zealand's anthem, shook the hand of every crewman before they left the dock yesterday then, standing at the bow of a Team New Zealand chaseboat, followed them out to sea.
nzherald.co.nz/americascup
Racing schedule and results
<i>Spinnaker run:</i> Casting a sick joke
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.