How Orient Express Racing Team Turned Dreams into Reality
Orient Express Racing Team has bid farewell to the 37th America’s Cup, leaving with heads held high and eyes set on the future. Despite the end of this campaign, the French syndicate has garnered a new global fan base with their impressive performance. With a rich history in sailing, France aims to fill the gap in their sailing palmarès with a successful America’s Cup campaign.
The team, led by Stephan Kandler and Bruno Dubois, has brought together top French talent in boat-building and sailing to form a strong team. With the support of ACCOR Group and Orient Express, they have embarked on a journey to rewrite French sailing history. The team received their AC40 in 2023 and immediately started sailing, with a core team led by Quentin Delapierre.
The construction of the first French AC75, ‘Made in France,’ was a collaborative effort with Emirates Team New Zealand, allowing the team to compete on equal terms. The AC75, delivered to Barcelona in stunning French style, showcased the dedication and craftsmanship of the team. Despite facing challenges in mastering the complex AC75, Orient Express Racing showed promising speed and performance during the Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta.
While the team fell short in the Round Robins, they see this campaign as a stepping stone for future success. With a solid base of sponsors and support, the team looks ahead to the 38th America’s Cup and other events like the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup. President Macron’s patronage and a focus on technology and sustainability shape the team’s vision for the future.
As Orient Express Racing Team builds for the future, they remain a team to watch in the America’s Cup arena. ‘Au revoir’ may signal the end of this campaign, but ‘à bientôt’ hints at the team’s return with renewed vigor and determination.
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Luca Moretti, an accomplished sailor and marine journalist from Genoa, Italy, has a lifelong passion for the sea that has defined his career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Genoa, Luca is celebrated for his vivid and insightful storytelling. His work captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime traditions of Europe, making him a well-respected voice in the sailing community. When he’s not writing, Luca can be found exploring the Mediterranean’s picturesque coastlines and competing in regattas, always seeking new adventures on the open water.