Triple Olympic gold medallist Jochen Schuemann will be the skipper for Swiss yachting syndicate Alinghi at the Moet Cup regatta in San Francisco from September 15-20.
Schuemann has been handed the role ahead of New Zealand's Russell Coutts, in a change from the victorious crew who won the America's Cup in Auckland earlier this year. New Zealander Brad Butterworth remains tactician.
"Alinghi's goal over the coming years is to create two first class teams for the Americas' Cup 2007, this covers all members of the team," Coutts said in a team statement.
"This is why I asked Jochen to take the helm of Alinghi against Oracle BMW Racing.
"The contribution of Jochen Schuemann to our victory in the Americas' Cup was critical. Everyone knows how great a sailor he is, having won four Olympic medals."
Schuemann has been Coutts' sparring partner since the start of the Alinghi campaign in 2000.
A formidable match-race helmsman, he has helped Coutts improve his sailing.
Coutts will be in San Francisco by the end of the event, supporting his team from a follow boat.
- NZPA
Yachting: Schuemann takes Alinghi helm from Coutts
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