With a former Alinghi-Ace the AEZ-Team continues to upgrade: HOTSPOT GMUNDEN At its 5th edition, the RC44 Austria Cup is not stingy with stars or attractions. The showdown of the sailing icons is spiced up with an attractive shore leave. Apart from the Olympic sailing world, the America's Cup, which will be sailed off shore of San Francisco and for the first time on two hulls, is seen as the king's discipline in the off shore world. If the regatta is sailed on one hull, the RC44 team is the measure of all things. For years the Championship Tour has been scored with quality and in no other scene is the density of tingling names and top syndicates comparable. Gmunden, the third of overall five tour stops, will be targeted and 12 teams from 8 different nations will be pushing towards the starting line. The Russian syndicates Katusha and Synergy signed on the two shimmering sailing icons Brad Butterworth (NZL) and Ed Baird (USA). The AEZ RC44 Sailing Team has also upgraded its roster and wants to tie on the recently shown accomplishments in front of the home crowd.

Stars in the Circus Ring Brad Butterworth won the pot four times and in his most recent AC victory the tactical genius scored side-to-side with Baird off shore of Valencia in 2007. After this, Baird, who was the helmsman in the final series against Team New Zealand, was named "World Sailor of the Year". Yann Gouniot was the lead sail trimmer in the former Team Alinghi. The Frenchman will strengthen the AEZ Team on the Traunsee. Markus Wieser, who pulls the strategic strings and starting this year has been sharing the tactical responsibilities with Christian Binder, managed this deal. With helmsman Rene Mangold and grinder Gerd Habermüller, two additional Austro-sailors are on board and the rest of the team is from Germany and Portugal. The RC44 Austria Cup, embedded in the 2nd Harbourfest Traunsee and full of entertaining treats, will be opened on May 29th with a Long Distance Race. After the Match Race Competition, which will take place the following day, the Fleet Race Series will follow and last until June 3rd. Synergy is leading the Championship ranking of the direct duels and in the Fleet Race category British Team Aqua currently dominates. The AEZ-Team stands its ground in mid field. In the Match Race Ranking Mangold and Co. are currently in 6th Place and in Rank 7 in the Fleet Race Competition. RC44 Austria Cup, Program: 29 May Long Distance Race 30 May Match Race 31 May – 3 June Fleet Race Links: www.rc44.at, www.rc44.com.

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