Recap 37th: Orient Express Racing Team, French challenger in the 37th America's Cup
On 3 January 2023, Stephan Kandler and Bruno Dubois, CEO of K-Challenge, the structure behind the French campaign for the 37th America's Cup, formally lodged France’s official entry through the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez.
One month later, on 3 February 2023, Stephan and Bruno were no longer standing alone. The Accor Group, through its Chairman and CEO Sébastien Bazin, announced its support for the French challenge. The team would compete under the banner of one of the Group’s most iconic global brands: Orient Express Racing Team.
Buoyed by this partnership, the leadership of K-Challenge assembled a workforce of 120 people, including three sailing squads, built an AC75, operated an AC40, and developed a hydrogen-powered vessel.
What followed was an extraordinary sporting, technological and human endeavour — marking the 15th French challenge in the history of the America’s Cup and signalling France’s return to the oldest international sporting competition in the world.
The Challenger Crew — Orient Express Racing Team
AC75 Helms
Quentin Delapierre
Kevin Peponnet
AC75 Trimmers
Matthieu Vandame
Jason Saunders
AC75 Cyclors
Olivier Herlédant
Timothé Lapauw
Maxime Guyon
Germain Chardin
Antoine Nougarède
François Pervis
Rémi Verhoeven
Thibaut Verhoeven
In Competition
Orient Express Racing Team lined up for the Round Robins in late August 2024 with just 46 hours of flight time accumulated on her AC75 — a near twin of the New Zealand boat. The lack of sailing time ultimately proved decisive, and the French team were eliminated at the conclusion of the Round Robins.
Stephan Kandler and Bruno Dubois subsequently shared their reaction to the campaign.
Notable results included:
_A race victory and an overall podium finish in Vilanova at the first Preliminary Regatta in September 2023.
_A race win in Barcelona during the first Round Robin against the Swiss team Alinghi Red Bull Racing.
The 37th America’s Cup — At a Glance
Following their triumph at the 36th America's Cup, the Defender was Emirates Team New Zealand, representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.
The Challenger of Record* was the British team INEOS Britannia.
*The Challenger of Record is the first yacht club to challenge the holder of the America’s Cup after it has been won. Together, the Defender and the Challenger of Record agree the framework and rules of the competition.
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron accepted the challenge for the 37th America’s Cup from the Royal Yacht Squadron Racing, represented by INEOS Britannia led by Sir Ben Ainslie. The Royal Yacht Squadron was the very first yacht club to organise this Trophy in 1851 — 172 years ago.
Other Competing Teams
_Alinghi Red Bull Racing, representing the Société Nautique de Genève (Switzerland)
_Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, representing Il Circolo Vela Sicilia (Italy)
_New York Yacht Club American Magic, representing the New York Yacht Club (USA)
_Orient Express Racing Team, representing the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez (France)
Where?
The 37th edition of the America’s Cup took place in Barcelona, capital of Catalonia, Spain.
When?
While the teams established longer-term bases in Barcelona, the main competition (excluding preliminary events) ran from 29 August 2024 to 19 October 2024. The event concluded with a third consecutive victory for Emirates Team New Zealand.
Competition Format
Preliminary Regattas
12–17 September 2023, Vilanova i la Geltrú — fleet racing in AC40s
22 November–4 December 2023, Jeddah — fleet racing in AC40s
22–25 August 2024, Barcelona — match racing in AC75s
Challenger Selection Series — The Louis Vuitton Cup
29 August–8 September: Louis Vuitton Round Robins
14–19 September: Louis Vuitton Semi-Finals — first teams to five race wins
26 September–5 October: Louis Vuitton Final — first team to seven points
Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match — 12–21 October 2024
The America’s Cup Match pitted the victorious Challenger, INEOS Britannia, against the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand. The latter secured the Cup, becoming the first team to reach seven race wins and successfully defend the trophy once again.