At the start of this America's Cup cycle, about two years ago, the syndicates decided that there would be testing during this Cup. The Hillary Commission, which is the New Zealand Agency, wanted to be the laboratory which tested all AC sailors.

ISAF intervened and said that since this was an International event that the agency to do it was the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) which ISAF helps fund through the IOC. It is only through ISAF that WADA can be utilized.

WADA has been conducting their examinations throughout the Louis Vuitton Cup and the America’s Cup. The process is that the sample is taken and split into"A" and "B". The "A" sample is analysed and if negative ISAF hears nothing and if positive ISAF is informed and then the athlete and their lawyers are allowed to be present at the analysing of the "B" sample. If that is also positive penalties are invoked.

It is reassuring to know that all Alinghi and Team New Zealand tests have been negative.

Regards
Paul Henderson, ISAF President