South Africa are the first of eight challengers for sailing’s most prestigious trophy, the America’s Cup, to build a new boat.
Team Shosholoza’s RSA-83 hull, unveiled in Cape Town, is the first America’s Cup boat to be designed and built in South Africa, the America’s Cup website announced on Tuesday.
The hull, sporting graphics inspired by Ndebele and Zulu beadwork, was officially unveiled by Sandra Sarno, wife of Captain Salvatore Sarno.
”What you see here today is the first evidence of the realisation of our African dream for the oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy in the world,” said Sarno.
”Our campaign is not only about sailing, but rather a perfect opportunity for showcasing South Africa’s technology, incredible human initiative, skills and expertise.”
The boat was designed by Jason Ker.
The boat will leave Cape Town aboard a container ship for Valencia, Spain, where it will be prepared to race for the 2005 season, beginning with the Valencia Louis Vuitton series in June.
Eight teams have lodged challenges against Swiss holders Alinghi for the 2007 America’s Cup. They are BMW-Oracle from the United States, Team New Zealand, Team Shosholoza of South Africa, +39 Challenge and Luna Rossa from Italy, Sweden’s Victory, K-Challenge from France and Spain’s El Reto. – Sapa