Good news for French sailing
Long awaited, K-Challenge Racing has finally made its participation in the next America's Cup official. Its founder, Stéphane Kandler, explains the main points:
"Bruno Dubois, co-owner of K-Challenge, and I are very excited to join the other challengers. We have been working behind the scenes for almost a year now. They can't wait to reveal more and will share with you the different elements related to our supports and the sports aspects by the end of the month!"
After his application was accepted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Grant Dalton was excited about the arrival of this new competitor:
"It's great to have the French back in the America's Cup as the fifth Challenger, and it will undoubtedly bring a lot of character to what is going to be a great event in Barcelona. France is such an important sailing nation, but even so, it's no small feat to put together a team for the America's Cup, so I congratulate Stéphane, Bruno and the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez who have worked tirelessly to get this far."
An experience from the 2007 edition of the GC32 and the Sail Gp
K-challenge is not new to the Cup. The team led by Stéphane Kandler has already participated in the 2007 edition of the Louis Vuitton, which took place in Valencia.
The Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, which already collaborates with the Sail Gp circuit, has lent its support to the French challenger. As for the crew and technical staff, no names have been officially announced, but we should find part of the F50 Team France team, including its helmsman Quentin Delapierre. Franck Cammas, who led the last French campaign in 2017 under the colors of Groupama, is also mentioned.
A late application and a sharp competition
K-Challenge is the 5th challenger that will be present on the Spanish water. The French will have to face the other syndicates already announced:
- INEOS Britannia (GBR)
- Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
- Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
- NYYC American Magic (USA)
Even if a lot of work has already been done on the submarine by the Frenchies, the other challengers are clearly ahead of the game. All the contenders for victory are already settled in the port of Barcelona, and are gaining experience in the AC40.
But previous campaigns have shown that anything is possible in the race for the Cup. French challengers have already shown success with low means. Let's hope that it will be the case with this unique French representative.
