The heat is on for the final

It all started with Alinghi head Ernesto Bertarelli accusing the Kiwis supporters in Valencia of insulting the New Zealand crew members of his syndicate.

Everyone remembers the days of 2003 when there was a depth of feeling with bitter criticism directed at the NZ sailors who left Team New Zealand for Swiss boat Alinghi.

The last America's Cup was tainted by the BlackHeart campaign, which aimed to unsettle the likes of Russell Coutts and Brad Butterworth who were accused of putting money before their country.

Coutts has fallen out with the Swiss and is barred from racing in this Cup. The Swiss defender has several Kiwi sailors aboard Alinghi, including skipper and tactician Butterworth, Warwick Fleury, Simon Daubney, and Murray Jones.

Since the America's Cup started in April, hundreds of New Zealanders have flocked to Valencia to support Emirates Team New Zealand.

Alinghi boss Bertarelli has accused Team NZ of showing a lack of gratitude for the financial support he gave them to keep them going after they lost the America's Cup four years ago. Bertarelli is expressing concern that the mood is turning sour in Spain, citing the attitude of NZ supporters. This sort of aggression never stopped in these seven years, according to him.

Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton reacted by dismissing Bertarelli's accusations. He claimed that he had not witnessed any hostility and as far as he is concerned, only a handful from a small group of young Kiwis are really misbehaving, as this is not really the New Zealand culture.

While Emirates Team New Zealand were enjoying a couple of well-earned days off, their America's Cup rivals Alinghi were bashing it out against Luna Rossa. James Spithill was at the helm of Luna Rossa ITA 94 in the first race but the Italians had back-up Phillippe Presti steering in the second one.

With Ed Baird at the helm on SUI 91, Alinghi won both races in very light conditions. The teams then sailed a near full course and Luna Rossa won. The Swiss crew in that race was less than slick, and also tore a spinnaker.

With the AC starting tomorrow, Alinghi are trying to make sure that their crew work is as polished as that of ETNZ.

At this point, Bertarelli is not all that confident that this will be another Alinghi victory. His aggressive comments about the financial back-up he gave to Team NZ did not go well among the Kiwis contingent, more so now when this loan has been paid in full.

This psychological warfare is on again. It always happens at the final count. When they are not racing they are arguing.

People get carried away with patriotism and loyalties. The Kiwis are certain that the Swiss comments were meant to distract them as Alinghi know that they may be in danger of losing the Cup.

On the other hand, the Kiwis are doubling their efforts. They will try to dish out the best possible revenge by getting the cup back home in Auckland.

The America's Cup has a long history of on-and-off water antics (just mention Dennis Connor) and as the actual final approaches, one should expect more verbal exchanges. It seems that this final is balanced by a faster Alinghi boat and a more professional Kiwi crew on board.

Sitting on the sofa arguing is not the answer, only sailing is.