AMERICA'S CUP TROPHY DRAWS THE CROWDS WITH YANMAR AT BOOT DUSSELDORF

The America’s Cup trophy was the star of the show this weekend at Boot Dusseldorf - the world’s largest international indoor fair for boats and water sports – when it made its first ever appearance the show during a press event hosted by America’s Cup Official Marine Partner, Yanmar.

The trophy – which travelled to Germany from New Zealand courtesy of current holders Emirates Team New Zealand and was of course accompanied by its regular security detail to keep it safe – was unveiled at the event held to present Yanmar’s X47 Express Cruiser which is the official VIP Cruiser of the 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada.

The news that the oldest trophy in international sport was on site spread quickly around the show’s many gigantic halls and soon drew a large crowd of people keen to catch a glimpse of the “Auld Mug” or even have their photos taken with it.

Most stayed around to watch a fascinating all-German expert panel discussion about what promises to be the most challenging and technologically advanced edition ever of the America’s Cup.

The panel featured Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team Co-Design Coordinator Dr. Martin Fischer, Thomas Riedel (GER), CEO of Riedel and Circle-O – the America’s Cup host broadcaster, and Hasso Hoffmeister (GER) – an expert in the assessment of marine structures, yachts and rigs and a member of the AC75 Class Rules Committee.

“Yanmar is a proud partner of the 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada,” said Yanmar Yotaro Tsuchiya, head of the Design Strategy Office. “Through our support as Official Marine Partner and with our flagship Express Cruiser, the X47, Yanmar is ready to contribute to the success of the America’s Cup, and seeks to share the thrill and excitement of the sea as widely as possible.”

In response, Mirko Groeschner, Commercial Director at Challenger of Record 36 srl – the organisation responsible for organising the America’s Cup World Series events in Sardegna and Auckland and the Prada Cup Challenger Selection Series – said that the X47 was a fantastic boat and great fit for the America’s Cup.

“Yanmar has really pulled out all the stops to deliver a top-level experience,” he said. “We really appreciate the support on the water that Yanmar brings to the table, both with clean and reliable marine diesels for our support vessel and with the tremendous performance and luxury of the X47 VIP Cruiser.”

Also on display was the newest trophy in the America’s Cup family – the highly distinctive, Marc Newson-designed Prada Cup, which will be awarded to the eventual winner of the Challenger Selection Series taking place in Auckland, New Zealand in January and February of 2021, prior to the Match for the 36th America’s Cup.