K-Challenge secure a defense sponsor

First significant backing for French America's Cup team

Jean-Marie Poimbœuf, CEO of DCN, and Stephane Kandler, CEO of K-Challenge, announced, with the support of the French Ministry for Youth, Sports, and Community Life, the official partnership between K-Challenge and DCN. DCN, a major international player in naval defense systems, thus becomes the first official sponsor of the French Team for the 32nd America's Cup.

The adventure for K-Challenge began in 2001, when the team stated their intention to race for the 32nd America’s Cup. Last April, the French Sailing Federation gave K-Challenge the official label of the French Team for the 32nd America’s Cup.  K-Challenge has competed in all of the Louis Vuitton Acts of 2004 and 2005, and in particular, won its most recent match race against the defender, Alinghi. In 2006, it will ensure, with a partnership with DCN, the development of the team’s new boat.

Throughout this process, DCN will provide K-Challenge with its knowledge and experience with complex naval systems, high technology, and project management.  Many sectors of the company will be mobilized to aid the team, particularly the fields of design, structures, and materials.

Jean-François Lamour, French Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Life, said: “If the leaders of DCN made the decision to become an official sponsor, it is because of the common goals and objectives that exist between K-Challenge and DCN.  The heart of DCN’s business is naturally toward the sea, and the very high level of proficiency of the personnel of this company will be a major asset for the K-Challenge team.”

Stephane Kandler, CEO of K-Challenge, gave his reaction to the news: “We are particularly proud to have a company such as DCN join our team. It is the proof of the professionalism and potential of the K-Challenge team on one hand, but also that France has companies who are willing to aid the French Team with their expertise.  With DCN, we will be able to profit from their experience and knowledge in the field of high technology.

"Our team provides a unique opportunity for partnership because of the sporting, technical, and human challenges that the America’s Cup provides. There is a broad range of platforms that the team can represent, with Aigle and the City of Gandia as perfect examples. The implication of DCN placing its services and its expertise at the disposal of K-Challenge once again shows that our partnerships go well beyond the traditional diagrams of sponsorship, while directly contributing to the team’s performance.

"We would like to thank DCN and its employees for their confidence in K-Challenge.  We wait impatiently to share with them the challenge that awaits us.”