America's Cup has started

The Alinghi syndicate boss Ernesto Bertarelli opened the war of words we typically associate with the America's Cup, reminding me of Dirty Dennis.

Seems the nationality rule removed by Alinghi to allow sailors from any nationality on boats could be re-instated if NZ wins the cup again. This was only a comment by ETNZ's Dalton when put on the spot during an interview. Now this has predictably got up Ernesto's snorer and he has pointed out the freebie loan made to Team NZ for the last campaign.

Not helping the debate, Ernesto apparently has been directly reminded by some of the large NZ contingent present in ValeNZia that Coutts (since fired from helming in Alinghi) and Butterworth are still rightly regarded as traitors to the NZ cause. They took their 30 pieces and will always be rightly vilified for doing so.

Ever the gentleman, Dalton has been trying to distance himself from the intent of the interview comment, agreeing to disagree with Ernesto.

Now that is more the America's Cup we have come to know and love to hate. Roll on June 23rd!