German initiative for America's Cup

While German companies invested billion dollars in foreign syndicates (SAP with Team NZ and BMW with Oracle), Germany is one of the only European countries not represented in the long America's Cup history. After the failure of the first-ever German attempt in 1992 ("Maid of Germany" led by the Olympic medallist Ullrich Libor), german businessman Michael Illbruck fought to establish a campaign but failed twice. He announced October 13th, 2003, that his Pinta Racing syndicate has stopped all americas cup activities for a second time. A situation that Tim Kröger (previously boat captain to Le Défi Areva) and Frank Schönfeldt felt should be corrected and reformed. They have therefore decided to launch B-Linghi, an only half-joking campaign.

The starting idea is simple. A fundraising program was set up in which B-Linghi T-shirts could be purchased. The two friends will earn a profit of €2 on every T shirt sold (approximately 500 euros were raised at this time). It's not the gold mine (yet) but the main goal is to show to the investors and sponsors all around the Germany that there in an interest in launching a German Challenge for the America's Cup. On this side, things seem to be working fine. "We are overwhelmed by the support we have received", Frank Schönfeldt said. "We obviously started something interesting and several Ship-owners and other people from the economy are calling to know what they can do to help".