Skipper and tactician Brad Butterworth said that the Alinghi's helmsman will be appointed "before Christmas".

With Ed Baird, Peter Holmberg and Jochen Schuemann, no less three top skippers are competing for the job of steering the Swiss boat in the next America’s Cup.

"We are lucky, we have three very good options", joked Brad Butterworth. "Whoever we choose, he will be the best to lead us to the end".

"The key will be to make sure we choose the person who will be the best when the regatta will start on June 23 in Valence", Butterworth added.

According to the latest rumours, the favourite would be Peter Holmberg,, Virgin Islander, Olympic medallist, number match racer in 2001/02 Swedish Match Tour and former 'driver' for the Oracle BMW Racing syndicate.