Cayard Joins Desafio Espanol in Valencia

12 February 2007 – Paul Cayard joined Desafio Español 2007 today as technical and sports advisor. Cayard will supervise the preparation and fine tuning of the new boat ESP-97 in the weeks leading up to the Louis Vuitton Cup.

When asked about his first impressions of the team, Cayard commented, “Desafio has done a good job with only two years of preparation and has a good chance to be in the Louis Vuitton semifinals. It’s a good team and I think I can contribute with my America’s Cup experience.”

“I am hopeful that I can add something to the development of the team and the tuning of the boats. I have a lot of respect for the design team and I am optimistic that ESP-97 will be a very fast boat.”

With regards to joining the Spanish Challenge Cayard explained, “It’s been a pleasure for me to become part of this team. I am looking forward to seeing how the competition has changed since the last time I took part. It’s really interesting to see how the technology has advanced in the last five years.”

Cayard is one of the most well known sailors in the world with vast experience having participated in the five previous America’s Cup regattas, as well as in the Olympics. Cayard was also Skipper of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” entry in the last edition of the Volvo Ocean Race, as well as Skipper of “Il Moro di Venezia” and “America One”.

There will be a press conference with Paul Cayard on 15 February at the Desafio Español base.