The very experienced cup campaigner sees a real opportunity for the Italian Teams in this America's Cup".

"From my point of view, a final of the Louis Vuitton Cup between Luna Rossa and Mascalzone is very possible", he said. "Other than that my two other favorites for the semis are Oracle and Team New Zealand".

"The difference between the boats decreased every year", he added. "That the reason why I think the team spirit is the most important thing because it's the only way to stave off unexpected defeat".

"In this area, the New Zealander team is really competitive when Oracle could have more problems", Paul Cayard explained. "Even if it's a very international team, Luna Rossa seem to be very united. Mascalzone look to faith and it was obvious when they defeated Luna Rossa".

Employed by the Spanish Team during the month of March, he took care to precise that (considering there are three challengers that stand a league apart from the rest) the fourth place will be closely contested between "his" team, Mascalzone and the Victory Challenge.

Concerning the America's Cup matches, he tipped Alinghi to hold on to the Auld Mug after a closely fought regatta.

"Alinghi is slightly above the challengers", he said. "I pick they will successfully defend but it won't be 5-0 again. May be 5-2 or 5-3".