
Emirates Team New Zealand accepted the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup trophy on Oct. 19 on the main stage of the race village along Barcelona’s Moll de la Fusta in Spain.
The Kiwi defenders defeated the INEOS Britannia team in dominant fashion, winning the series 7 to 2. The official trophy presentation was made by Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton-Moët-Hennessy and Pietro Beccari, chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton.
“What a fantastic final today. First may congratulations to Emirates Team New Zealand for the spectacular victory,” Arnault told the winners. “Your skill, determination and innovation have set a new standard of excellence. It was a magnificent performance, earning you a place in America’s Cup history. As defender and organizer of this year’s event, you have demonstrated exceptional skill on and off the water, setting a bar for the future host.”
He continued, “To INEOS Britannia, my sincere admiration for your formidable challenge. We are proud to have presented you with the Louis Vuitton Cup and its trophy trunk, a symbol of your remarkable achievements. You pushed boundaries, showing resilience and a relentless pursuit of victory, inspiring us all.”
In 1988, Louis Vuitton created the first trophy travel trunk specifically for sporting competition, starting with the America’s Cup.
“This year has been a festival for Barcelona,” said Beccari. “We are very, very proud to be partners with this beautiful city and with the mayor. I think we did a great job together in presenting this city in its beauty, in its majesty, to the whole world.”
To celebrate their history making win, members of Emirates Team New Zealand mixed with fans in the race village long into the evening.