LOUIS VUITTON ACKNOWLEDGED FOR CONTRIBUTION TO SAILING

The America’s Cup Hall of Fame induction gala held during the America’s Cup World Series in Newport, RI, was a night of both celebration and tribute not only to the three inductees, Patrizio Bertelli, Gerard Lambert and Jonathan Wright, but also to Louis Vuitton’s long time involvement in the America’s Cup.

It was in September 1983, in Newport, that Louis Vuitton awarded the Louis Vuitton Cup to the best challenger for the first time - to Australia II, the first Challenger to ever win the America’s Cup. Marble House, the former Vanderbilt mansion in Newport, was the site where Australia II accepted the Louis Vuitton Cup, and the site for this year’s Hall of Fame gala hosted by Louis Vuitton and the Herreshoff Marine Museum,

“The America’s Cup Hall of Fame is something we have enjoyed supporting over the years,” Yves Carcelle, President and CEO of Louis Vuitton said. “It is wonderful to see so many friends and champions who have contributed to the Challenger movement and the America’s Cup be recognized through this important institution."

Tom Whidden, member of the America’s Cup Hall of Fame since 2004 and CEO of North Marine Group, speaking with gratitude to those present of Louis Vuitton and its 29-year long support of the America’s Cup and Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Races, said it all in just a few words:

“We appreciate all you do for the sport - you’re the best."

In appreciation of Louis Vuitton’s support, Dyer Jones, CEO of the Herreshoff Museum and Chairman of the America’s Cup Hall of Fame selection committee presented Carcelle with a half model of the 1903 America’s Cup Defender Reliance, the largest America’s Cup yacht ever built.

For more information on this year’s inductees to the America’s Cup Hall of Fame: http://www.lvtrophy-wsta.com/media/mailing/?id=3

* Pic 1: Yves Carcelle accepts half model of Reliance.
* Pic 2: Long time pals & competitors in the business of high fashion, Yves Carcelle and Patrizio Bertelli.
* Pic 3: Looking good at the Marble House - L to R: Stan Honey (Director of Technology, 34th America's Cup), Gary Jobson (President US Sailing), Russell Coutts (CEO, Oracle Racing and 4 times America's Cup winner), and Yves Carcelle.
* Pic 4: America’s Cup icon Bruno Trouble stands before Louis Vuitton trunks dating back to 1893 and 1895, ordered by Cornelius Vanderbilt II. Trouble recently discovered the trunks in the attic of The Breakers and connected them to the prominent family who also had a strong tie with the America's Cup.

Harold Stirling Vanderbilt, grandson of Vanderbilt II successfully defended the America's Cup in 1930, in the J-class yacht Enterprise; in 1934 in his yacht Rainbow he won three races in a row to defend the Cup; and in 1937 he won in Ranger, the last of the J-class yachts to defend the Cup.


Photo Credit: Bob Grieser