Join us for cocktails with our speakers and guests, who will share their remarkable experience with the Cup and reveal how this is more than a race.

You don’t have to be an expert to have noticed that there are some pretty amazing boats sailing (or rather flying) around Auckland at the moment. From 15 January to 22 February, three teams (the Challengers): American Magic (US), Ineos (UK) and Luna Rossa (Italy), will race against each other for the PRADA Cup. Only the winner will then be able to take on the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, from 6 to 15 March 2021 to win the 36th America’s Cup (the Cup), the oldest trophy in international sport. For this purpose, the teams have gathered some of the best engineers and sailors from around the world.

The French New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (FNZCCI) is very excited to present the following speakers, who will share their remarkable experience with the Cup and reveal how this is more than just a race:

Bruno Troublé, the famous French sailor who created the Louis Vuitton Cup (now the Prada Cup), will share the story of the Cup since its beginning. Enjoy the opportunity to see exclusive photos and videos prepared together with world-renowned Philippe Plisson.

Martin Fischer, co-design coordinator of Luna Rossa, the challenger of Record, will give an overview of the evolution of the boats racing for the Cup. He will explain why and how the AC75 boats that you see on the water have meaningful differences and how the Cup influences the technical innovations in the sailing world.

Peter Busfield, Executive Director of NZ Marine Industry Association, will discuss the significant economic impact of the Cup for its hosting country and how Covid-19 has disturbed New Zealand’s plans. 

It is a privilege to have the New Zealand broadcaster, Peter Montgomery, known to be “the voice of the America’s cup” as our Master of Ceremony. 

While there is no French team for this edition, there are many talented French people involved, whose attendance is also expected for this very special event. In particular, we are delighted to welcome: Guillaume Verdier (architect for Emirates Team New Zealand), Gilles Martin-Raget (previous sailor for the Cup, famous journalist and sailing photographer), Maguelonne Turcat (Media Relation during the past ten editions of the Cup) and Michel Marie (Manufacturing manager of INEOS Team UK).

Last but not least, we will be honoured by the presence of HE Ms Sylvaine Carta-Le Vert, Ambassador of France to New Zealand.

Register

When: Friday 26 February 2021 from 6pm

Where: Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour ☆☆☆☆☆

Format: Cocktail evening, including canapés and drinks until 9.30pm

Price: $100 for FNZCCI members / $150 for FNZCCI non-members

To secure your ticket for the event, please click here. Limited places available.

Sponsorship and VIP packages available, for more details please contact Thibault Beaujot at president(@)fnzcci.org.nz and Vincent Labrador at contact(@)fnzcci.org.nz.

Outline 

06.00pm: Registration and networking over welcome drinks & canapés 

07.00pm: Opening & greetings from FNZCCI team 

07.00 – 08.00pm: Hear from the insiders of the “36th America’s Cup presented by Prada”

08.00 – 08.10pm: Closing remarks from HE Ms Sylvaine Carta-Le Vert, Ambassador of France to New Zealand.

08.10 – 09.30pm: Cocktail and networking 

09.30pm: Close of event

On Friday 26 February 2021 at 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Event Location