Tom Schnackenberg will lead the design process for the new America's Cup boats before joining Swiss syndicate Alinghi.America's Cup Management have appointed the New Zealander as the class rule and competition regulations consultant for the design consultation period which starts this week and involves the defender and challengers. Schnackenberg's job is to ensure that all views are taken into consideration in the process that will eventually lead to a new type of boat being announced on October 31.
When that is complete the nuclear physicist, who worked for Italians Luna Rossa during the last Cup after he was released from Team New Zealand, will work for Alinghi. Schnackenberg, whose first Cup campaign was in 1977, said helping create the new 27m boats will be a huge challenge.
"For me that is part of the appeal. "I have been intrigued by the prospect of the new rule since it was signalled after the Cup and am honoured to have been invited to participate in its inception," Schnackenberg said. - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/
