When Alinghi won the 31st America’s Cup in 2003 it made history returning the trophy to Europe for the first time since its conception in 1851.  In July 2007, Alinghi won a second consecutive America’s Cup 5-2 against Emirates Team New Zealand in what was widely claimed as the greatest America’s Cup of all time.  For last year’s 32nd America’s Cup, Alinghi was sponsored by Audemars Piguet.  But for the 33rd America’s Cup, it is Hublot who will be the Alinghi team sponsor and join in the quest for another victory!

Hublot and Alinghi in HD Video

Alinghi president Ernesto Bertarelli and Hublot CEO Jean-Claude Biver held a joint presentation at the Alinghi base in Genoa, Italy, to announce the partnership.  Said Mr. Bertarelli on the alliance:

I am often asked ‘what is more important the technology or the people?’ and I always say that there is no technology without people and the partnership that we are announcing today symbolises exactly this sentiment. Welcoming Hublot – and more importantly Jean-Claude [Biver] – to the team as a Sponsor is a tribute to the fact that technology is about the people; those that understand what it means. I welcome them into the Alinghi family and onboard for the 33rd America’s Cup,”

Of course, Mr. Biver was equally ebullient:

We had the chance to admire the yacht as it left the yard, and when it first took to the water on Lake Geneva. It is a magnificent boat and it represents the essence of Swiss expertise, with nearly 200 Swiss companies having worked on it. The “Swiss Made” label has never been more appropriate! The Swiss people – myself included – have shown no hesitation in displaying their admiration for Team Alinghi, and I am even more proud that we are the first brand to become one of the main sponsors of this incredible adventure. I am delighted to be able to help Switzerland win the Cup once more, this time against the USA.

Alinghi is currently training in Genoa, Italy, before transferring the team to Ras al-Khaimah, UAE, in the autumn to continue preparations towards the 33rd America’s Cup which starts on the 8 February 2010.

My only question at this point is, what will the Hublot Alinghi Limited Edition Look Like?

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