Louis Vuitton Will Be The Principal Partner Of The 32nd America’s Cup
Geneva – 26th Novemebr 2003 – Michel Bonnefous, President of AC Management, welcomed Yves Carcelle, President of Louis
Vuitton, to Geneva today to announce that Louis Vuitton will be the principal partner for the 32nd America’s Cup.
Louis Vuitton, the world’s biggest luxury brand, part of the LVMH group, is honoured to continue its association with
the America’s Cup as it comes to Europe, a partnership that was first established in 1983.
“For 20 years, our story with the America’s Cup has been one of partnership and mutual benefit,” Yves Carcelle,
President of Louis Vuitton said. “This new agreement will allow Louis Vuitton to further promote the values we have in
common with the America’s Cup. Elegance, the spirit of challenge, that subtle balance between tradition and modernity,
are all values that we share.”
“AC Management is proud to have Louis Vuitton as it’s principal partner in the 32nd America’s Cup,” Michel Bonnefous
said. “Louis Vuitton and the America’s Cup share a common heritage, and we are delighted that this 20 year relationship
will continue.”
“It is more than fitting that Louis Vuitton’s universe should continue to be part of the great path of the America’s
Cup, the event that we all love.”
This partnership is more significant than in previous editions of the America’s Cup because Louis Vuitton will be a
partner for each of the pre-regattas, beginning in September 2004. Additionally, the Challenger Selection Series will
continue to be known as the Louis Vuitton Cup.
For the first time, Louis Vuitton will also be the principal partner for the 32nd America’s Cup Match, and Louis Vuitton
Watches now becomes the Official Timer for the 32nd America’s Cup.
The America’s Cup is one of the world’s first truly international sporting events, and an alliance through all phases of
the competition will allow Louis Vuitton tremendous visibility. The 2003 event generated nearly 3000 hours of television
around the world, and more than 45 000 articles of international press.
“To be associated with the America’s Cup in Europe, in the magnificent city of Valencia, Spain, is also very important
for Louis Vuitton,” Yves Carcelle added. “It is a birthday present of sorts, as Louis Vuitton celebrates its 150th
anniversary beginning in 2004, the year of the first pre-regatta of the 32nd America’s Cup.”
Comments on Louis Vuitton becoming principal partner for the 32nd America’s Cup
John Bertrand, 1983 Louis Vuitton Cup Winner, and the first Challenger to win the America’s Cup: “Louis Vuitton first
became involved with the America’s Cup in 1983 when the Australia II victory change the Cup forever. As the event
navigated through 20 years of unprecedented change, Louis Vuitton’s sense of history, and class has made them the
perfect partner.”
Dennis Conner, 1987 Louis Vuitton Cup Winner, and the second Challenger to win the America’s Cup: “I am pleased to hear
that Louis Vuitton is back to support the America’s Cup again. They have done so much to help make the event what it is
today. Louis Vuitton is a great international brand and will add additional lustre to the event.”
Paul Cayard, 1992 Louis Vuitton Cup Winner: “Improving anything is a blend of keeping the good, and adding some new
ingredients. Louis Vuitton as main partner of the America’s Cup keeps the tradition and prestige of the Cup, while
having Europe as host will add greatly in terms of raising awareness and profile. The combination of these two bodes
well for the future of the America’s Cup.”
Since 1851, the America’s Cup has transcended the sport of sailing to become a symbol of the pursuit of excellence. With
a heritage rich in passion, innovation, and extraordinary human achievement…
The America’s Cup is the stage for creating legends.
* * * Since 1851, the America’s Cup has transcended the sport of sailing to become a symbol of the pursuit
of excellence. With a heritage rich in passion, innovation and extrodinary human achievement…
The America’s Cup is the stage for creating legends.