By hiring members of the victorious Team New Zealand of 2000 and by providing the money to build a competitive boat, he has bought the personnel and equipment to contend.

Kiwi skipper Russell Coutts, one of the most talented sailors of his generation, defected from his native Team New Zealand after winning the last two Cups.

The former Olympic gold medallist and three-time match-racing world champion is the ultimate strategist and will be a very hard man to beat.

Coutts' countryman Brad Butterworth will be alongside him as tactician, having sailed in the last two victorious New Zealand campaigns.

They are backed up by multi-Olympic gold medallist Jochen Schuemann, who ran the sailing team at their Mediterranean base at Sete, until the time came to move to New Zealand.

If Alinghi have got their equipment just right, they may have the all-round package to rule the Hauraki Gulf.

Verdict: Coutts and company could undo Team New Zealand.