As long as to lose I prefer to do myself

History, passionate and chaotic, lasts for thirty-six years. The France will participate in the eleventh edition of the America's Cup. Elle remains avoir only country with the United States to not missed an edition since 1970. But, except miracle, Areva Challenge is now in position to win. Once again... Why bashing in an event that smiling to the Anglo-Saxons - until the Swiss take Ultimate foot of nose in this country of mountains to motivated but French who do not play the leading roles.

Initially, the efforts of baron Marcel Bich, who participates in the selection of challengers for the first time in 1970 on France I, are upset due to lack of experience. After many defeats in the waters of Newport, on the East coast of United States, the French boat is lost in the fog while ric Tabarly is on board. The baron then takes the helm and launches this famous remained replica. "As long as to lose, I prefer to do myself." It will thus fund four boats, French challenges, the last in 1980. His skipper, a certain Bruno Troublé, will reach the final of what would become three years more before the Louis Vuitton Cup, or the best French result to date. But Australia is too strong and private France III of the last round, the America's Cup against the Americans.

To follow the beautiful attempts of Marc Pajot, in 1987, with French Kiss in Australia, then city of Paris in 1992 in San Diego. Skipper baulois will reach by twice the semi-finals of the Louis Vuitton Cup. But the participation of 1995 with France 2 and France 3 will leave a bad memory in the French collective memory. The new impetus generated by 6th sense in 2000, with Pierre Mas and Luc Gellusseau and Xavier de Lesquen, is also sanctioned by a delivery halftone in 2003. For 2007, K-Challenge was launched in December 2001, but Areva has joined the team in April 2006. Probably too late. However, the France has a genuine will in the world of the America's Cup. The first reason is undoubtedly the involvement of Louis Vuitton through the Louis Vuitton Cup (see p. 55). Created in 1983 by Bruno Troublé, she was the starting point of modernization of the competition, as he explains himself: "Twenty-three years, Louis Vuitton is the only guarantor of the stability of the Cup." The years pass, players are evolving, but Louis Vuitton continues. "An active role of co-organiser held until 2003 and helped Vuitton create as early as 1992 the first website for a sporting event and its follow-up in 3D as early as 1995. Louis Vuitton also organizes the selection tests, high profile, of the challenger. The last edition in 2003, in particular, which was the subject of 3 000 hours of television with 55 000 releases in the press. Continuous innovation while remaining guarantor of the tradition, very in tune with the values of luxury.

French sailors are also very coveted by foreign teams. Thus, in addition to Bertrand Pacé, tactician of Oracle BMW Racing, Philippe Presti is a member of the aftergard of Luna Rossa, i.e. thinking cell of the boat. Appreciated by skipper, strategist, tactician, or browser roles that contribute to the reputation of our training courses. The sailor French is appreciated for his flair, its ability to "feel" good race options. This is not enough. Unfortunately, rationalism is often in the front line in the America's Cup. The country of Descartes should know.

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Bertrand Pacé: small General

There is the Napoleon in this man. Small, square build and temperament of conqueror, ready for all sacrifices to become the first French to win the America's Cup on the water. At the dawn of its 45 years, the most experienced of the hexagonal sailors in America's Cup (he participates in its sixth edition) has earned its place as holder tactician on BMW Oracle. Genuine recognition for this original Dunkerquois, son of port driver. Discreet and applied on the water, he is not reluctant to make celebration once obtained victory. With a very sharp sense of the regatta, it is capable of tactical blows that have often led his ships to victory. After a coup de Trafalgar in 2003 on Team New Zealand (5-0 against Alinghi defeat), he has all cards in hand to succeed his Austerlitz in 2007.

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Areva Challenge: the prestige of the France

Presented as a "strategic choice", the return of Areva - world leader in nuclear power - in the America's Cup also appears as a decision political. Do not let die the colours of the France in this prestigious event. April 5, the announcement of the partnership between French industrialist, which the State has a majority of the capital, and K-Challenge for an amount of EUR 12.5 million had the merit of surprise observers. Before this Areva Challenge, the Builder of nuclear power plants had, in 2003, funded challenge Areva EUR 15 million. "We had a return on investment equivalent to gross EUR 65 million in media around the world and our reputation climbed 10 points", welcomes Jacques-Emmanuel Saulnier, the Director of the communication of Areva. To re-engage in the race after 2003, the French projects scramble but Areva decides not to respond. The colours of the France will be defended for five years by K-Challenge, funded by the family Kandler (pioneer of European Aeronautics with Airbus). In early 2006, but the Kandler are in course of funding. Of team members have even been dismissed just before the great return of Areva, arrived, such as Zorro, to save the ship. A reversal of the situation surprising analysts, who see the announcement almost improvised the result of State intervention. What argument therefore influenced Anne Lauvergeon, Chairperson of the Executive Board of Areva The future will tell perhaps.