Alinghi boss Ernesto Bertarelli on BMW Oracle espionage

Report & interview for Newsnetz/Tagesanzeiger.ch ‘They have chosen to challenge us on all fronts’ Alinghi boss Ernesto Bertarelli (43) criticises BMW Oracle's espionage when speaking to Tagesanzeiger.ch/Newsnet. ‘It is like someone taking a photo of you in the shower. It is illegal.’ The America's Cup is a challenge trophy, and as champion you get challenged, Bertarelli said on Wednesday at the opening of the first joint Alinghi and Odlo shop in Zurich's Jelmoli. ‘We were challenged by the Americans,’ he said with a smile. ‘And they have chosen to challenge Alinghi on all fronts. On a legal level, with the decision to go to court.’ BMW Oracle was also preparing to challenge the Swiss team on the water. ‘And they are really prepared to go very, very far. Even as far as breaking rules and data protection laws in Switzerland.’ Bertarelli continued: ‘Until now, you went sailing, as we do every day, and observed your opponent. From that, you tried to understand how they sail. It is a big difference looking at a competitor and their boat when they put it in the water, or looking into their private sphere through the window. It is like someone taking a photo of you in the shower. It is illegal.’ (Created: 13.05.2009) http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/sport/weitere/Sie-haben-sich-entschieden-uns-an-allen-Fronten-herauszufordern/story/25209798