The return of China Team

Eighth challenger for the 34th America's Cup announced

China Team, with the full support of the Chinese Government, has announced itself as the eighth challenger for the 34th America’s Cup.

Wang Chao Yong, Chairman of China Team, will lead the challenge for the second time and believes that he has put in place a team of experts who will lead China Team to greatness. “All boats need to be designed by the team, and built in country," he said. "We have been working with some of the best worldwide designers for hull and wings for a few months already, in partnership with top Chinese Universities. This is an opportunity to showcase China’s talents in the leading-edge hi-tech areas of both hydrodynamics and aeronautics. Our boat will then be built in China, and ready to sail by February 2012.

“This America’s Cup will feature the best sailors on the fastest boats, so we’re very happy to be part of this adventure with China Team, a boat which will truly represent China, as most sailors will be Chinese."

Thierry Barot, CEO of China Team has been busy recruiting the worldwide and Olympic champion sailors who will be responsible for training the sailing team. “Our boat will be powered mainly by Chinese sailors, and we are very fortunate to have an elite team of international sailors to come to China and train our Chinese team," he said

“We are very pleased to welcome our eighth challenger, China Team, to the 34th America’s Cup,” said Richard Worth, Chairman of the America’s Cup Event Authority. “China Team makes a wonderful addition, bringing another continent of athletes into our international field of strong competitors, as well as a very powerful market to add to the commercial strength of the 34th America's Cup.”

“China has a 600-year-old tradition of sailing!” said Yves Carcelle, Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton, speaking of the new Chinese team entering the America’s Cup. “They will have to win the Louis Vuitton Cup and beat all the challengers before getting a chance to compete against the American Defender, Oracle Racing. Just the kind of challenge the Chinese relish!”