Swedish America's Cup challengers Artemis Racing have reached a major milestone in their campaign, launching their second AC72 in San Francisco this morning.
The blue boat was christened 'Artemis Racing' by syndicate founder Torbjorn Tornqvist at a private gathering at the team's Alameda base, with 300 team members and friendsand family in attendance. Although the still has a long way to go before they have their AC72 race ready, the day was a reason to celebrate for the Swedes who suffered the loss of one of their sailors in a fatal capsize in May.
The team's Swedish roots are recognized with the Swedish flag painted on the sterns and three crowns on the bows. The tres kronors is a national emblem of Sweden.
"This is a great day for many reasons," said Törnqvist, who spoke before the crowd. "It's the culmination of a heroic effort to put together this beautiful boat. The shore team has put so much into this, and now for our sailing team to get out there and give her justice. I am proud to share with you this great moment."
Artemis Racing suffered an accident on May 9 in which the team's first yacht capsized and broke apart and crewman Andrew Simpson perished. That accident was just two and a half months ago, and since then the team has been working many hours to get back on the water.
"I don't think anyone fully appreciates the hill Artemis Racing has climbed to get to this point," said regatta director Iain Murray. "It's a substantial rebuild of the team in terms of building the confidence back, the morale, and I've seen the momentum gathering.
They've worked tirelessly, and I have my admiration for the way they've gone about it."
The team said that the yacht, dubbed "Big Blue", will undergo dock tuning in an effort to get it ready for sailing.
