New look for FRA57

Former Team New Zealand boat no longer black

Prior to Act 1 of the 32nd America's Cup starting on 5 September, K-Challenge's new FRA 57 has been given a new look.

The sailing team who made their first outing on her yesterday is enthusiastic. "Everyone is really charmed to be on board," says Thierry Peponnet. "The operations are starting to be well coordinated in spite of the late arrival of the boat, the reactivity of the boat is excellent, there is a good spirit on board and very positive too. The boat seems reliable, which is not surprising given the preparation and the use that the New Zealand crews made of it until 2002. It remains for us to develop the potential of the boat and to refine the coordination of the crew. These five days of training we will be having to work at all levels!"

Training continue in Marseille with the other teams which have joined K-Challenge in the bay, as the start of Act draws nearer - just four days away.

On Friday 3 September at 5:00pm the christening of FRA 57 will take place in front of the Quai d'Honneur in the Vieux Port of Marseille.