Alinghi Red Bull Racing Base has officially presented its race yacht, BoatOne, in a grand ceremony that featured a human tower constructed by the traditional Castellers. The milestone marks a significant shift to the final competition phase of the campaign with the official opening of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup just a little more than four months away.

The christening ceremony took place at the dockside where BoatOne was formally introduced to the world. Chiara Bertarelli, the designated honouree, cracked the bottle of Champagne across the bow, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the team's journey towards the America's Cup.

The BoatOne is the first vessel that Alinghi Red Bull Racing Base has designed and built together. Team members watched with collective pride as the racing machine was craned into the water for its first contact with the sea and some initial systems checks.

“This is the most amazing thing with a boat like this,” said Principal Designer Marcelino Botin. “It's the result of many people bringing their skills, expertise, and passion to reach a result that reflects the team's expectation.”

While it was a day to soak in pride, there was also the acknowledgement that there is much work ahead. “Launching the boat marks the next stage for us, finally sailing BoatOne. The Sailing team will now have to keep up the amazing work done by the designers and boat builders,” said Skipper Arnaud Psarofaghis.

Overall, the boat presentation was a momentous occasion for Alinghi Red Bull Racing Base, marking the end of one phase and the beginning of another. With the launch of BoatOne, the team is now one step closer to realizing its dream of winning the prestigious America's Cup.

There were highs and lows for Alinghi Red Bull Racing in Barcelona on Wednesday (31 August) as after a successful first day of sailing in the America’s Cup venue, their AC75 capsized in a violent rain squall, as Marine Industry News reports.

The team explained on social media that while towing back with sails down, the boat bounced into the wind and was pushed on to her side.

Some of the crew members were knocked overboard but were promptly recovered by the support team and everyone returned safe and sound to the team base, the team added.

Silvio Arrivabene, co-general manager of Alinghi Red Bull Racing later confirmed that Boat Zero had “suffered minor damage to the port foil arm and to the hull” but added: “We will be back on the water soon, carrying on with our preparation for the 37th America’s Cup.”

Alinghi Red Bull Racing will represent the Société Nautique de Genève as a Challenger for the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona in 2024.

Marine Industry News has more on the story HERE.