Swiss President salutes his nation's sailing prowess

Swiss President Pascal Couchepin has sent a letter to wish Alinghi his best wishes for the series against Team NZ.

Couchepin expressed his warmest congratulations to the team for their "amazing victory in the Louis Vuitton Cup, one of the greatest trophies in the sailing world".

"For a small country with no access to the sea, this is a remarkable sporting achievement which will stay in peoples' minds for many years to come," he said.

"Alinghi's victory is that of a forward-looking nation with an ability to surprise. You are flying the flag of Switzerland - multicultural, open to the world and creative."

The multicultural reference is because Alinghi takes in 15 nationalities.



"Alinghi's victory is also the victory of team spirit and an attitude which should serve as an example: the choice of action over inaction, of optimism over nostalgia, of openness to the world over inward-looking nationalism. Alinghi embodies a country which is prepared to take risks in order to win."

But the president warned a tougher battle was to come.

"Dear Alinghi Friends, the hardest part still lies ahead.

"You have the overwhelming support of the Swiss government and the Swiss people in your endeavour. Countless Alinghi fans in Switzerland will spend sleepless nights in front of their television screens cheering you along."

Couchepin told the team unfortunately he was not able to come to Auckland: "But be sure I will follow the races with great excitement."


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