Coutts-Bertarelli deal leaves door open

Sacked America's Cup skipper Russell Coutts has reached an amicable settlement with Alinghi boss Ernesto Bertarelli after settling their past disagreements. But it is still unclear whether the most successful helmsman in America's Cup history will be involved in the next event.

Coutts was fired by the Swiss syndicate for "repeated violations of his duties". He himself claimed that his contract was breached illegally.

Both Coutts and Bertarelli were satisfied with the outcome. Although Coutts has accepted not to sail in the next AC, yet his position is still unclear. Recently, there was speculation that Coutts had joined Luna Rossa.

Coutts is a threat, no matter what. He is the most dominant sailor in the America's Cup. Excluding him from the AC is like barring Michael Schumacher from Formula 1.

American John Sweeney, who is trying to get Sausalito Challenge on the startline, said: "Without Coutts sailing, there will be no clear favourite."

Both Coutts and Bertarelli have agreed to make no further comments on this issue.

Meanwhile, Team Capitalia became the third Italian syndicate to challenge for the most coveted sailing competition in the world.

With the support of the Italian Banking group, Vincenzo Onorato will be challenging for the second time. His first experience was with Mascalzone Latino in the last AC.

Vasco Vascotti, tactician in the 2004 Rolex Middle Sea Race on Damiani Our Dream, will lead Onorato's boat. Flavio Favini, a former tactician on Mascalzone Latino, will this time helm the boat himself.

Team Capitalia will start training for the Louis Vuitton Cup Acts 4-5 from its base on the island of Elba, before going to Valencia for its first taste of racing, later this spring.

Three Italian boats will compete at the end of the season in the Trapani Louis Vuitton Acts 8 and 9 on September 29.