On Friday morning, just hours ahead of the challenge deadline, United Internet Team Germany became the 10th Challenger for the 32nd America’s Cup.

Willy Kuhweide, Commodore of the Deutscher Challenger Yacht Club, arrived in Valencia on Thursday night with his challenge dossier, and with all the necessary paperwork in order and fees paid, his challenge has today been accepted by the Société Nautique de Genève, the Defending yacht club.

“The first serious German campaign is now on its way to the starting line of the first America’s Cup to take place in Europe,” Commodore Kuhweide said. The team is supported by United Internet, a German internet service provider.

This will be the first German challenge to sail for the America’s Cup in its 154-year history. United Internet Team Germany, (formerly known as the ‘Fresh 17’ project) will be led on the water by Danish skipper Jesper Bank, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and previous America’s Cup skipper in 2002/2003 with Victory Challenge.

“We are extremely happy for the German team and very glad they beat the deadline,” said Michel Bonnefous, the CEO of the America’s Cup organisers. “Germany has a tremendous sailing heritage and has enjoyed success at all levels of yacht racing, from Olympic competition to races around the world. But German sailors have never before had the chance represent their country for the most coveted prize in yachting.

“This challenge from United Internet Team Germany now gives them that opportunity, and the 32nd America’s Cup will be a better event with them competing. There is a powerful television arrangement in Germany with ARD/ZDF, and now through this team, the German public will be able to experience the exceptional event that is the America’s Cup as never before.”

United Internet Team Germ any will compete in all of the Louis Vuitton Acts leading up to the main events in 2007. Their first racing on the water will be in Valencia in Acts 4 & 5 beginning 16th June. The team will compete closer to home in Malmö-Skåne, Sweden in August and conclude the season with racing in Trapani, Sicily at the end of September.

The deadline for challenges, as outlined in the ‘Terms of Challenge’ for the 32nd America’s Cup is 16:00 today, 29th April. More news will follow this deadline.

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