Swedish challenge for the 34th America’s Cup

PRESS RELEASE

Swedish challenge for the 34th America’s Cup

Artemis Racing and the Royal Swedish Yacht Club (KSSS) outline their challenge for the most iconic and oldest trophy in sport, the America’s Cup

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (8 November 2010) – Artemis Racing confirmed today the team’s entry as a Challenger for the 34th America’s Cup, which will include competing in the America’s Cup World Series in 2011-2012 and culminate with the Challenger Selection Series in 2013.

Speaking at today’s press conference Torbjörn Törnqvist, Chairman of Artemis Racing, shared his vision for the team and endorsed the new format for the America’s Cup. Torbjörn Törnqvist also spoke of the important role of the Royal Swedish Yacht Club (KSSS) in the team’s challenge.

The Royal Swedish Yacht Club (KSSS), one of the world’s oldest yacht clubs, has a longstanding history with the America’s Cup, having had three Challenges since the America’s Cup began in 1851. KSSS Commodore Jacob Wallenberg stated: “KSSS is honoured to be alongside Artemis Racing for the next America’s Cup. This is an important milestone for the Club and sailing in Sweden. It is also important for Swedish junior sailors, as a project of this magnitude will inspire them and provide excellent role models.”

Over the course of the next three years, Artemis Racing will be focused on designing and building two AC72 yachts, while also developing a strong sailing team to compete in the AC45 World Series and the Challenger Selection Series. The clear goal is to challenge Cup holders BMW ORACLE Racing for the America’s Cup in 2013.

“We have been orienting Artemis Racing toward the America’s Cup for more than a year. With much of the plan for the 34th America’s Cup now defined by the Defender, and an early start for the team, we have a tremendous opportunity to mount a winning campaign.” said Paul Cayard, CEO of Artemis Racing.

Paul Cayard announced that world champion sailor Terry Hutchinson (USA) will be the team’s helmsman and that the design team will be led by Juan Kouyoumdjian, well known for his success with winning designs in the Volvo Ocean Race such as ABN Amro and Ericsson.

Also speaking at today’s press conference about the new America’s Cup format was Richard Worth the recently appointed Chairman of the America’s Cup Event Authority. Worth said:“The challenger period has only just opened so we are delighted to welcome Artemis Racing to the 34th America’s Cup. They become the third team to officially join the event (after BMW ORACLE Racing and Challenger of Record - Mascalzone Latino) and we hope that, for the drama of a true sporting spectacle over the next three years, they will be the first of many. As we plan for new, exciting formats and boats it is great to have a team consisting of world class sailors under the leadership of Torbjörn Törnqvist and Paul Cayard.”

The next event for Artemis Racing is the Louis Vuitton Trophy – Dubai, which begins on 14 November. Looking ahead to 2011, Artemis Racing will continue to compete on the RC44 World Championship tour, while joining the Extreme 40 Circuit and the America’s Cup World Series, which will be raced in AC45s.

ENDS