Alinghi’s newly-built boat SUI 91 left Décision Boatyard in Vevey, Switzerland today.

The new boat was shrouded in secrecy as it was wheeled out of the Swiss yard on the truck and trailer (in all 25m long), provided by Alinghi’s official supplier, the transport company Planzer, that is shipping it to Valencia, Spain.

She is the first of two new boats that the Defender will build for the 32nd America’s Cup in 2007 and has taken 25 boatbuilders from both the boatyard and the Alinghi shore crew almost 20,000 man hours to complete.

"Three months ago, Décision received the design files with the shape and to see the result today is exemplary of the standard of construction", commented Michel Marie, Alinghi shore crew coordinator.

Décision successfully built both SUI 64, the 2003 America’s Cup winning yacht, and SUI 75, the 2005 ACC Champion, and enjoys a long term working relationship with Alinghi.

"There has been great evolution from SUI 64 to 75 and now to 91 in the pursuit of perfection", said Yard director Bertrand Cardis. "We continue to learn from one boat to the next and improve the quality each time".

SUI91 is due to travel the 1,230 km within a week to join stable-mates SUI64 & 75 in Valencia, where, Marie says: "the shore crew and sailing team are in the starting blocks to get her finished and sailing."