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While German companies invested billion dollars
in foreign syndicates (SAP with Team NZ and BMW with
Oracle), Germany is one of the only European countries
not represented in the long America's Cup history.
After the failure of the first-ever German attempt
in 1992 ("Maid of Germany" led by the Olympic medallist
Ullrich Libor), german businessman Michael Illbruck
fought to establish a campaign but failed twice. He
announced October 13th, 2003, that his Pinta
Racing syndicate has stopped all americas cup activities
for a second time.
A situation that the hamburger Tim Kröger (previously
boat captain to Le Défi Areva) and Frank Schönfeldt
felt should be corrected and reformed. They have therefore
decided to launch B-Linghi, an only half-joking campaign.
The starting idea is simple. A fundraising program
was set up in which B-Linghi tee-shirts could be purchased.
The two friends will earn a profit of €2 on every
tee shirt sold (approximately 500 euros were raised
at this time).
It's not the gold mine (yet) but the main goal is
to show to the investors and sponsors all around the
Germany that there in an interest in launching a German
Challenge for the America's Cup. On this side, things
seem to be working fine.
"We are overwhelmed by the support we have received",
Frank Schönfeldt said. "We obviously started
something interesting and several Ship-owners and
other people from the economy are calling to know
what they can do to help".
Concerts of support, invitations, free exposures...
It seem there are many people of goodwill who have
waited and who are now networking to help the project.
"It is obvious that it will be a miracle if it
works", Frank Schönfeldt recognized. "In
the worst case, , we will have at least tried it".
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