Defining moments
From the very beginning of the campaign, the Alinghi Red Bull Racing team have lived and breathed a shared dream. Through all the highs and lows, the team has bonded over major milestones as well as the quieter, more personal moments. For each member of the team, different memories stand out, each carrying its own meaning.
So we had to ask: What’s the moment – big or small – that means the most to you?
Here’s how members from across every department responded…
Willy Losa, Events Manager – “The day we unwrapped BoatOne together in the shed. It was a moment that everyone was really looking forward to, to see the boat for the first time. And it was very intimate, the opportunity to be there without cameras, without media pressure, just on our own. It was a magic moment, and it was like the perfect glue that held everyone together.”
Franco Noti, Cyclor – “Race 6 of the Semi-Finals against the British. There was a lot of pressure as a loss would have meant the end of the campaign. I love these ‘now or never’ situations. Due to the light conditions, it was the hardest race for us on the bikes. We felt really close to each other on the boat. To win in such a situation together was an incredible feeling.”
Ties Rabe, Boat Builder – “The excitement of driving to Barcelona when we moved here, from Germany.”
Águeda Rodríguez, Paramedic – “We lost the first race of the Round Robin, and when we got back everybody was waiting on the dock cheering and supporting us. It showed that we’re a team through the good things and the bad.”
Elena Saez, Shore Team PA – “First take off of BoatZero. We were still in the old Base, but for me this meant the serious game was on. We were on the path.”
Pauline Olliaro, Production Engineer – “Spending a few evenings in Écublens with my colleagues peeling off tape and peel-ply inside BoatOne! It was the end of the boat’s construction and the delivery date to Barcelona was fast approaching. The days were long, and the pressure was high, but through all this, the team remained united.”
Milly Jinks, Electronics Technician – “When the second mast broke, the shore team put in so much work and effort to get BoatOne ready to go out again. The team spirit during dock-out the next day really felt like everyone had come together with the same aim, and it was really special.”
Martin Pose, Rescue Diver – “Standing in the old base and seeing BoatZero for the first time was a moment that touched me deeply. It was like looking at a whale, and I thought, ‘I’ve always wanted to dive with a whale.’ That’s the moment I realised how lucky I was to join the team.”
Yves Courvoiser, Simulator Developer – “Sailing on BoatZero. I went in the guest spot a few times for testing, in around 10-16 knots of wind each time, so it was really intense and exciting. To put yourself in the hands of the sailors was a bit scary, but also a real thrill going 50 knots on the water.”
Rodney Ardern, Sailing Team Manager – "BoatOne unveiling night - the first of the new generation of boats deserved a spectacular show which celebrated the culmination of a whole team's work over the previous two years.”
Adrien Bleninger, Boat Builder – “The first time BoatOne went sailing, I was out there on the water.”
Lucien Cujean, Sailing Team – “My visit to Red Bull Racing in Milton Keynes to collaborate on our simulator.”
Israel Martinez, Shore Team – “The first Round Robin day – the real game was on!”
Dan Smith, Boat Builder – “Our first proper win in the Louis Vuitton Cup. That was pretty cool.”
Maria Torcida, HR – “After the second mast broke, and people across all departments worked together, helping wherever they could to get BoatOne back on the water the next day. The whole team showed that they were exactly that – a team.”
Maxime Bachelin, Helm – “When we won against the Americans in the Round Robin and it meant we were qualified for the Semis. It felt like we had good potential and we were back in the game!”
Lara Manson, Executive Assistant – “Dancing in the rain at the race village after we were eliminated. It was a special moment because it was sad but we were celebrating all together knowing we gave our best.”
Clémence Privato, Hospitality – “When we were at 4-0 with the British in the Semi-Finals, a lot of people were expecting to us to be out of the competition after the match. I was watching it with friends and families in the lounge, and when the British dropped off their foils and we passed them to win the point, it was so emotional for everyone.”
Jason “Taro” Squire, Boat Builder– “Launching BoatOne. Because of all the effort that went into it.”
Ūla Čepeliauskaitė, Social Media Manager – “Probably seeing BoatOne in the wild for the first time and getting to chase it with the crew. There’s just so many factors that come together in training and being able to witness that is pretty special.”
What was YOUR favourite memory from the campaign? Give us your answer on Instagram.
