CC Meetings in Progresss

Working parties (sub-committees) on notices of race/rules, television and ACPI ("America's Cup Properties, Inc." -- trademarks and IP) met here in Valencia on Monday. Reports and recommendations from these groups are being presented to the full Challenger Commission today, which is meeting with a wide-ranging agenda that includes those topics plus finances, the rules governing the unveiling of yachts on 1 April, sail-handling amendments to the ACC rule, the umpire signaling system and security. A report on the main decisions and points of discussion will be posted ASAP after the meetings conclude tomorrow (Wednesday).



A light moment during Monday's Notice of Race working party meeting at the Holiday Inn Valencia after Katie Pettibone (USA, foreground right) of AREVA Challenge made a witty remark. To Katie's right are AREVA Challenge colleagues Dawn Riley (USA) and George Clyde (USA). Foreground left is Wolf Dietz (GER) of United Internet Team Germany.



Once again Louis Vuitton very kindly hosted the Challenger reps to a relaxing and enjoyable dinner at the Foredeck Club Monday evening. Here, LV's Christine Belanger (FRA, front and center) gathers with some of the late-stayers. CC Chair Alessandra Pandarese (ITA, red dress next to Christine) presented Christine with a framed poster of her "cover girl" appearance on a recent edition of BusinessF1 magazine. The January issue has a 48-page insert on the AC 32. Behind Christine is her longtime LV colleague, and former AC helmsman, Bruno Trouble (FRA). On Bruno's left is Commodore Dyer Jones (USA), AC 32 Regatta Director.



During today's CC meeting, a rather more serious-looking group around the table studying the paperwork projected on the screen. Foreground right is Bruno Finzi (ITA) of Luna Rossa.



Foreground, left is Chair Alessandra Pandarese (ITA) of Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team, CC Assistant Michael ten Bokum (NED/ESP) and Stefano Feltrin (ITA) of +39.




Ross Blackman (NZL) of Emirates Team New Zealand.



Katie Pettibone (USA) of AREVA Challenge. One of the few female crew members in AC32, Katie is also (congrats!) a newly-minted lawyer recently admitted to the California Bar.



Michael Scheeren (GER) and Wolf Dietz (GER) of United Internet Team Germany.



Gillian Williams (NZL) of BMW ORACLE Racing.