From dream to reality

On their way to the 37th America's Cup, the Bleus of Orient Express Racing Team open a new chapter in their history. A new stage with the takeover of their AC75, which will defend the colors of the country and the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez from August 29, 2024, and the start of the Louis Vuitton Cup.

The aim is to win the Grail and bring the world's oldest sporting trophy back to France.

Gently rolled out of the den that has housed her since April 6, the tricolor foiler revealed herself in a beautiful midnight-blue livery and a saffron stripe stretching from bow to stern. Majestic and powerful, like a rorqual whale to which its shape might suggest. Applauded by the entire team, partners and supporters of the official challenger.

A representative group of the French team has been brought together to sponsor the AC75 Orient Express Racing Team: Manon Audinet, skipper of the women's team, Enzo Balanger, skipper of the youth team, Quentin Delapierre, skipper of the Challenger and Gilda Perez-Alavarado, CEO of Orient Express. The women, the young, the more experienced and the partners. Because together, we're stronger.

Gilda Perez Alvarado , CEO Orient Express: “Along with all the Orient Express teams, we are immensely proud that the official French challenger in the 37th America's Cup is wearing our colors. Our three French teams, made up of talented men, women and young people, embody the link between human excellence and technology. More than a sport or a competition, sailing represents a sense of passion and commitment, which we honor and celebrate today through the christening ceremony of the AC75”.

Today, the time for celebration has allowed the team to press the pause button and step back to appreciate the work done over the last 9 months of construction at Multiplast in Brittany and preparation in Barcelona.

“A lot of dedication and effort has gone into reaching this milestone. I would like to extend my deepest thanks to all those who have worked to achieve this feat. Collective intelligence at the service of a project. Thank you,” said an emotional Stephan Kandler, CEO of the Orient Express Racing Team.

Bruno Dubois, Co-CEO of Orient Express Racing Team: “Our AC75 is remarkable. It's a testament to the exceptional talent we've been lucky enough to have here in Barcelona and at Multiplast in Vannes. This moment is a celebration of their commitment. Now we're going to open the chapter on training, the opportunity to apply all the knowledge we've learned on the simulator, while sailing aboard the AC40. A great challenge awaits us all. It's up to us to rise to it!”

Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor: “We are all proud within the Accor Group to see our brands Orient Express and All.com on this impressive hydrofoil boat, and also proud to have been able to contribute to the success of this remarkable project. As the competition approaches, our support is unwavering, and we wish all the sailors and the team every success.

The nearly 23-meter-long French monohull had briefly left the shipyard last Saturday for a masting test, and hit the water for the first time on Monday to carry out static tests to check the controls.

Next steps for the AC75 Orient Express Racing Team

A towed test to check man-machine interfaces and flight

First sailing under sail

Training sessions

Competitions

Final preliminary regatta August 22-25

Louis Vuitton Cup: Round Robin - Semi-Finals and Finals from August 29

Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup: Final Match starting October 12