Since 6 October, ACC Technical Director Ken McAlpine has allocated sail numbers 95 through 98, including two (96 and 97) on one day. Four numbers in eight days has to be some sort of a record, to say nothing of the unprecedented daily double.

It's no surprise. really, given that teams have to build their final boat, get it measured, transport it to Valencia, set it up, check it out, get it sailing and get it sailing fast, and all in time for the start of the LVC next April. So, at least for the Challengers, time is running out. Alinghi has a bit more time as they have until the start of the Match in June to be ready with both their new boats. That's why many expect Alinghi to get the last number that is allocated in this (AC 32) go around; if all Challengers presumed to be building two boats follow through in the meantime, Alinghi should end up with sail number 100.

Unless, of course, Alinghi has one of the two numbers already allocated by Mr McAlpine for which no team has yet fessed up to owning (the Technical Director only announces that he has allocated a number, not to which team).

Details on the Challenger Commission Blog.