Michel Bonnefous, President of AC Management, welcomed Yves Carcelle, President of Louis Vuitton, to Geneva 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.”

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.

www.vuitton.com

Source: Press Release
November 2003
(Please credit Europa Star)