While media boats have always camped on the starboard layline at the windward mark, now TV cameramen and photographers may be closer to the action, than ever, INSIDE the windward mark, as is often the case at other regattas where big buoys are in place.

The prototype of a proposed new windward mark for AC 32 made its first appearance in Valencia today, assembled by ACM Race Operations Manager Niccolo Porzio and his team, then moored to the Race Committee dock at the Real Club Nautico Valencia.

The main (orange) part is 19 metres in circumference and 2.5 metres high. A number of cameramen can stand inside the open interior, and, of course, there is ample area to display ACM sponsor branding on the outside.

The white ball is a helium-filled balloon on a tether that would be released to a height of 100 or so meters to help identify the location of the windwark mark to spectators and media. To avoid the tether tangling in the rigs of the racing yachts, the balloon would be retrieved before the yachts approached the mark to round it.

Regatta Director Dyer Jones will present the concept to the Challenger Commission at its meeting next week; no doubt it will be discussed in some detail. If well received, the plan is to test it during Acts 4 and 5 at Valencia in June.

America's Cup veteran Bruno Trouble conceived the new mark, and he was at the RCNV this afternoon with ACM CEO Michel Bonnefous to check it out.