By JULIE ASH
The America's Cup community gathered in Auckland yesterday to farewell Victory Challenge syndicate head Jan Stenbeck, who died in Paris last week.
Members from the eight other challengers and the defender assembled in inflatable boats outside the Swedish base for a memorial service to honour the 59-year-old, who
died of a heart attack after a short illness.
The Victory Challenge team stood on the base with their heads bowed.
The financial backer of the Swedish Challenge, Stenbeck owned an extensive network of media and telecommunications companies, and was one of Sweden's wealthiest people.
The team were notified of his death just moments after the launch of their second cup yacht, SWE73, in Auckland eight days ago.
At yesterday's service, Victory Challenge project manager Mats Johansson spoke of Stenbeck's America's Cup dream.
"This base, these boats, this team - all of these were part of Jan Stenbeck's vision. He wanted to make a competitive challenge for the America's Cup," he said.
"Therefore, even in our deepest sorrow after his tragic death, there is only one course for us to take and that is to fulfil Jan Stenbeck's dream. We will enter this fantastic regatta. Every day we will do it with Jan in mind."
Team New Zealand chief executive Ross Blackman met Stenbeck during one of his visits to New Zealand and was immediately impressed by the Swede's "obvious joy for living and his passion for his Victory Challenge team."
"Now Jan is in the best viewing position for the Louis Vuitton series and the America's Cup, and the crew of Victory Challenge now have a permanent 17th man," Blackman said.
Challenger of Record Management head Dyer Jones met Stenbeck two years ago to discuss his vision for an America's Cup challenge.
"A few days ago part of that vision came to fruition when we launched their second yacht. That vision is here and part of the team," Jones said.
"We will miss him, he brought a great deal to Victory Challenge and the America's Cup. I wish the team all the best as you go forward in this important challenge pursuing his dream and your own dreams."
Victory Challenge spokesman Bert Willborg said it was touching to see the cup community gather.
"We are going to continue with Jan in our minds." he said.
* Prada's second cup yacht, ITA80, will be launched in Auckland today.
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