America's Cup - K-Challenge Introduces FRA 57 New Look

K-Challenge, French challenger for the 32nd America's Cup which will take part to the Louis Vuitton Act 1 from September 5 in Marseille, sailed today with a new look for FRA 57, which was decorated during the night on the J4 base.

Photo © Franck Socha

The sun rose on a resolutely original and alive decoration, showing the extremely positive and dynamic team's spirit.

The sailing team which sails on the boat since yesterday is very enthusiastic, Thierry Peponnet underlines: "everyone is really charmed to be on board, the operations start to be well coordinated; in spite of the late arrival of the boat, the catch in hands is very good and fast, 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 being given the preparation and the use that the New Zealand crews made of it until 2002. It remains to adapt in a few days the potential of the boat and to refine the coordination of the crew. These 5 days of training are not too much to work at all levels !"

The trainings continue in Marseille with the other teams which started to join K-Challenge in the bay, as the beginning of the races approach more and more: only 4 days before the opening of the Louis Vuitton Act 1!

Photo © Franck Socha

The other awaited stage is also the christening of the boat, which will take place Friday September 3 at 5:00pm in front of the Quai d'Honneur in the "Vieux Port" of Marseille.