UBS
Trophy Rhode Island Reunites Rival Teams Alinghi
And Oracle BMW Racing June 19-26
Newport,
Rhode Island, April 26, 2004 - Team Alinghi, winners
of the America's Cup 2003, today officially launched
the UBS Trophy Rhode Island at a press conference
in Newport, Rhode Island. The UBS Trophy, sponsored
by UBS and co-sponsored by BMW, will showcase
America's Cup-style match racing at Newport between
old rivals Team Alinghi and ORACLE BMW Racing,
from June 19-26.
The
UBS Trophy is a significant event that will honor
the colorful and exciting role that yacht racing
has played in Newport for more than 100 years.
With race starts and finishes off Fort Adams,
the regatta has been specifically designed to
bring the racing close to shore for exciting spectator
viewing. Two races are scheduled daily, weather
permitting, starting at 1:30pm. The regatta will
sail professional and owner-driver races on a
short course.
Speaking
at the press conference today was Grant Simmer,
Team Alinghi General Manager. Simmer was navigator
aboard Australia II, the team that finally succeeded
in lifting the Cup from a long American rule when
they defeated Dennis Conner and his crew on Liberty
at Newport in 1983. Other speakers included Governor
of Rhode Island, Donald L. Carcieri; Russell Coutts,
Alinghi Team Leader; Gavin Brady, Helmsman, ORACLE
BMW Racing; Dr. Robin Wallace, Chairman of the
Rhode Island Sailing Foundation; and John Rousmaniere,
writer and America's Cup historian.
Specific
details regarding the UBS Trophy including media
accreditation are now available at a new website,
www.ubstrophy.com.
QUOTES:
Governor of Rhode Island, Donald L. Carcieri;
"As home to the America's Cup for a half-century,
Newport has long been recognized as the sailing
capital of the world. I'm very proud that Rhode
Island has been selected as the site for this
prestigious sailing regatta. This marks the first
time that we have hosted a race of this kind in
Newport in over 2 decades. This outstanding event
will put Rhode Island back on the map for the
America's Cup. Having this competition in Newport
in June will also bolster our tourism industry
and help drive our economy."
Grant
Simmer, General Manager, Team Alinghi:
"The objectives of the UBS Trophy are to
get the teams together, compete at the highest
level, have fun and promote America's Cup-style
racing in the US. It will be great to be in Newport
and we are looking forward to being back on the
water with ORACLE BMW Racing."
Russell
Coutts, Team Leader, Alinghi:
"Organizing an event like the UBS Trophy
is a daunting task and it would simply not be
possible without partners. We are proud to have
this opportunity today to introduce them, and
show our appreciation for their support."
Gavin
Brady, Helmsman, ORACLE BMW Racing:
"This venue is absolutely perfect - from
an historical as well as from a sporting point
of view. As the host city of the America's Cup
from 1930-1983, Newport has witnessed many thrilling
duels off its shores. I am sure that the UBS Trophy
will offer exciting sailing at the highest level.
The conditions here on the American East Coast
surely are among the best anywhere."