Ernesto Bertarelli and Peter Gilmour are at the sharp end of the new America’s Cup hierarchy, with ‘endlessly’ wealthy individuals replacing any pretence at corporate sponsorship. But will might overcome spirit and innovation – and could inevitable personal battles obscure the main goal?

Ernesto Bertarelli

SH: Ernesto, you launched your Cup challenge in chinos and button-down shirts. No uniforms, no logos. Was there a subliminal message?

EB: No! I arrived with a blazer but saw the boys did not have theirs! Actually, the concept of this team and the team spirit is very strong. Not all work, but we are going to work very hard.

SH: You are uncompromising in your objective: winning. Will you judge success by any other measure if you fall short?

EB: I don’t think we should consider the alternative.

SH: Is there a business case for your challenge or is it purely a personal sporting enterprise?

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Peter Gilmour – skipper of Craig McCaw’s OneWorld challenge

SH: Peter, there’s more than a little back to the future about the way the next America’s Cup is shaping up. Do you feel the arrival of the big boys is a temporary phenomenon, or have we seen the end of corporate sponsorship and the return to private patronage?

PG: The America’s Cup has always been a place for focussed individuals with the foresight to go out there and create a good team. Whether that person has the personal wealth or assets to put into it, I actually think that’s immaterial to the future.

SH: But the structure must affect the motivation and drive behind a team?