China Sails Into The America's Cup - A Success

'China Sails Into The America's Cup' A Success In Beijing

Valencia, 3 April 2006 - The 'China Sails into the America's Cup' promotional evening in Beijing was a roaring success on Saturday night. The show at the Tian Qiao Theatre, produced by the organisers of the 32nd America's Cup and Louis Vuitton, was attended by over 1,000 guests, including celebrities, VIPs and diplomats.

"Since its very beginning over 150-years ago, the America's Cup has always been a stage for countries to show off their technology," said Michel Bonnefous, CEO of the organising body for the 32nd America's Cup, as he opened the show. "As China develops as a world power, the America's Cup is a natural platform for it to demonstrate its technological, project management and sporting prowess."

The show, organised by the local branch of MTV, will be broadcast several times during the next few weeks on three of the national network CCTV's channels to a potential audience of more than 350-million households.

Among the artists performing over the course of an entertaining evening were Zhong LiTi, Ling Zhi Xuan, Lu SiQing, Su YouPeng, Chen Kun, Hu Bing, He RunDong, Xia Yu, Chen Hao, Sun Nan, Fang Bin Bin, Huang Ying, Sun Yue and Fei Xiang. China's number one idol, NBA player Yao Ming, apperared in a video supporting the participation of China Team in the 32nd America's Cup.

Prior to the gala on Saturday, the Louis Vuitton Cup, which is awarded to the top challenger, and the America's Cup trophy spent some time sightseeing around China taking in many of the most famous sites, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

Racing begins this season with the Louis Vuitton Acts 10 and 11 from the 11th to 21st of May. China Team, along with 10 other challengers and the Defender, Alinghi, will be racing in Valencia, the host city of the 32nd America's Cup.

Note to editors:

Since 1851, the America's Cup has transcended the sport of sailing to become a symbol of the pursuit of excellence.

The official partners LOUIS VUITTON, ENDESA, SANTANDER, ALCATEL and the America's Cup share a heritage rich in passion, innovation and extraordinary human achievement.

The 32nd America's Cup enjoys the support of Nespresso, Adecco, Ford, El Corte Inglés, Estrella Damm, Grupo Leche Pascual and Coca-Cola; our Supporters, and valuable contributors to the America's Cup.

Racing for the 32nd America's Cup - Valencia began with a series of Louis Vuitton Acts in 2004 and 2005. The competition continues in 2006, with three more Louis Vuitton Acts in Valencia, the Host City of the 32nd America's Cup.

Valencia Louis Vuitton Act 10 - Match Racing - 11 to 18 May 2006 Valencia Louis Vuitton Act 11 - Fleet Racing - 19 to 21 May 2006 Valencia Louis Vuitton Act 12 - Match Racing - 22 June to 3 July 2006

In 2007, a fleet race event - Louis Vuitton Act 13 - will precede the Louis Vuitton Cup, the winner of which will then race the Defender, Team Alinghi, in the America's Cup Match in Valencia

THE AMERICA'S CUP - THE STAGE FOR CREATING LEGENDS.

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