Switzerland's Team Tilt ready for Red Bull Youth Americas Cup

Team Tilt limbering up ahead of the Red Bull Youth America's Cup © Loris von Siebenthal / Team Tilt Sailing

Swiss Youth America's Cup contender Team Tilt has been training on San Francisco Bay for three weeks onboard the AC45 wing-masted multihull alongside their nine rivals for the trophy. Geneva-based team skipper Lucien Cujean has said the team is in good shape and ready to race.

"During our training sessions, we have focussed on our starts and boat handling," he said. "We were eight sailors for the practice, but only six will race. Bryan Mettraux who joined us at the beginning of August has fitted into the group very well and our tactics and strategy have also improved."

The final three weeks of training have been intense, both on the water and ashore: "We have had perfect sailing conditions," said crewmember Lionel Vaucher. "Everything has gone well in our preparations for D-Day – now it is up to us!"

The whole team that includes coaches, physical trainers, shore crew and support staff, has gathered in San Francisco in the lead up to the event so that the sailors can give the racing their full attention. "We are ready to race," said Lucien. "And of course are incredibly grateful for the opportunity that we have been given. The whole team has worked very hard to make this happen and it is thanks to that effort and the sponsors' support that we feel ready for the start signal."

Ten teams from eight different countries, including Switzerland, Australia, France, Germany, Portugal, Sweden, New Zealand and America, will be competing for the Red Bull Youth America's Cup – with the USA and TNZ fielding two teams.

See more at www.teamtiltsailing.ch and www.americascup.com/events/red-bull-youth-americas-cup