NZ Herald's Julie Ash interviewed Russell Coutts, winning skipper of the last three America's Cup matches. Some excerpts.

Do you plan to be in Valencia for the America's Cup?

I will be involved in other events during most of the Louis Vuitton Cup, but I will be following what happens. I'm thinking about going to Valencia to watch the final match.

How do you feel about not being in it? Is there any chance you will rejoin Alinghi for this Cup?

There is no chance I will rejoin Alinghi. There is no doubt I will miss being involved in the racing. But as a result of not being able to compete in the America's Cup, I have changed direction a bit and sailed a large variety of boats. I must say I am enjoying sailing more high-performance boats and maybe that is where the Cup will head in the future.

Do you still think Alinghi will defend the Cup?

It is difficult to say who will win. But Team New Zealand, BMW Oracle and Prada are the logical favourites for the Louis Vuitton Cup. Alinghi is probably the favourite for the America's Cup, but it is difficult to say who will win. It should be pretty close.

Around this time there is always plenty of talk about the Cup's future. What would draw you back?

After this Cup it is definitely time for a rule change. Most people seem to be talking about a two-year cycle rather than four years.