KEY POINTS:
So who will drive Alinghi?
They have rotated Ed Baird and Peter Holmberg since Russell Coutts left the syndicate in 2004. The feeling is that if Alinghi believe they have a speed edge, Baird will steer, if they think they are in for a battle, then Holmberg will.
While the syndicate haven't announced who has the job, the noise around Valencia is Baird has been given the nod. With winning the start and first cross so vital, Julie Ash and Peter Lester take a look at the styles of both men.
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The last time we spoke to Ed Baird, he said he doesn't drink coffee. It is not that the Alinghi helmsman doesn't like it - he just thinks he's hyped up enough already.
With the rumour mill suggesting that it will be Baird who drives the Swiss boat in the America's Cup match, controlling that energy and those nerves could require something stronger than coffee.
Whoever does get the helming job at Alinghi will carry a huge burden. Not only are they defending the cup, they are replacing the most successful helmsman in America's Cup history in Russell Coutts.
Baird has a connection with New Zealand. He was the backup helmsman/coach of Team New Zealand in 1995 when they won the America's Cup off San Diego and in the last cup worked as a commentator.
Baird is quite a conservative helmsman. He is very easy on the boat, very smooth.
He is controlled and doesn't take too many risks in terms of where he puts the boat. He is quite passive in the prestart. In some ways his style is even more passive than Dean Barker.
If Alinghi think they are quicker they may go for Baird.
If they are expecting a gun fight they may go for Holmberg.
Lester: "I think Ed is in many ways a milder version of Russell Coutts. You don't see Ed going for a king hit."
But some wonder how Baird will handle the pressure, the weight of carrying the America's Cup on his shoulders.
Lester: "If there is no pressure on him he will be fine. Can he take the heat? That we will find out."
The relationship, chemistry and communication between the afterguard members is essential.
It is interesting to note that when Baird was at Team New Zealand in 1995 some found his manner quite aggravating.
Considering the Alinghi team consists of several members from that team it will be interesting to observe the chemistry within the group. Dean Barker should feel comfortable against Ed Baird.
Lester: "Against Baird, Barker might be more of the aggressor. Barker is more than happy if there is an opportunity given to him on a plate to go for the kill. Baird is not as aggressive as that."
Ed Baird
Born: May 17, 1958, USA
America's Cup
2007: Alinghi
2003: Stars & Stripes - sparring helmsman
2000: Young America
1995: Team New Zealand - B boat helmsman/coach
Full coverage of the America's Cup from nzherald.co.nz/americascup and desktoptv.co.nz
