China Team christen new boat

New Cup yacht to be known as Longtze, "the son of the dragon"

Yesterday at 20h30, the first Chinese America’s Cup class in the history of the America’s Cup was christened in Valencia, Spain. CHN95 is to be known as Longtze, meaning 'the son of the dragon'.

The christening ceremony took place at the China Team base in Valencia, in the presence of the Mayor of Valencia, Rita Barbera, Mr. Xiaoqi Qiu, Chinese ambassador from Madrid, Chao Yong Wang, syndicate president, sponsors of the team and 300 invited guests.

Longtze was christened by Xin Li, Chinese model and actress, ambassador for the team since its creation, who broke a bottle of Chivas on the bow of the America’s Cup Class yacht. The christening ceremony was equally the occasion to present to the press the new collection of Lladro porcelain inspired by the China Team dragon as well as the new TAG Heuer collection of watches, China team Aquaracer.

The symbol of China, synonymous with power and nobility, the dragon is an inescapable element in Chinese culture. Longtze follows in this tradition, with the birth of a new generation of Chinese sailors.



Xiaoqi Qiu, Chinese Ambassador of Spain announced: "I congratulate the China Team for this first participation of a Chinese boat in this 32nd edition of the America’s Cup. In the 150 years of this trophy, this is the first time that China has constructed a racing yacht like Longtze. It is a very symbolic moment, for all of us here, but also for sailing in China and for the technological advances which are represented by building a race boat of this calibre. I wish with all my heart that the Chinese sailors know, being in this competition with the best sailors of the world, they represent the spirit of our nation and they will give a very good image of China. They are participating in the development of sailing in China and international friendship".

Chaoyong Wang, President of China Team said: "The christening of Longtze represents a new historical event in the development in Chinese sailing. It is not only the the first America's Cup Class 'made in China' but also a perfect combination between courage, passion, technology, innovation and team spirit. China is a nation of dragons and Longtze, son of the dragon, belongs to this lineage!"

Xavier de Lesquen, Executive Manager of China Team added: "There is a little more than one month to carry out the preparation of Longtze before the start of the first Round Robin of Louis Vuitton Cup. With this new boat, it is year one for China Team in the Cup. It is the beginning of the quest. Tonight we celebrate the boat but also the China Team base, which we wanted open, transparent and accessible to the public. The city of Valencia has welcomed us in this magnificent Marina Real Juan Carlos I and we are lucky to welcome in return the Valencianos and the numerous public who will come here in the upcoming months from all over the world".

Chenqi Liu , 19 years old, sailor, team novice said: "[Competing in] the America's Cup is the symbol of a country, the result of it's economic development. It needs the support of large corporations. With the christening of Longtze, China has made its entrance in the club of great sailing nations. I am very proud!"

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