German supermodel to be 18th 'man' aboard USA-98

by BMW Oracle Racing Media on 15 Apr 2007 The BMW ORACLE Racing team is eagerly awaiting the start of the Louis Vuitton Cup, in the course of which the challenger of the America’s Cup title defender Alinghi will be determined.

And they are expecting Tatjana Patitz.

Top model meets model athletes – the native of Hamburg is due to go aboard with BMW ORACLE Racing in Valencia on Monday, 16 April, and will be experiencing the fascinating 'Formula One of Sailing' live and up close in the official race.

The position of 18th man is unique in the international world of sports, because this is as close as it gets. The America’s Cup 2007 in Valencia is not only the highlight of the year from a sports point of view. The 'Formula One of Sailing' is also considered to be a prestigious social event with a multicultural flair.

Sports-mad Tatjana Patitz is well known throughout the world.

The team of CEO and Skipper Chris Dickson believes that the model will bring them luck. In all likelihood, her presence on the yacht will further boost the motivation of the crew on the first regatta day of the Louis Vuitton Cup. Tatjana Patitz herself is full of anticipation, saying, 'I love sailing more than anything else and go sailing whenever I have the time. I know that German actors such as Heiner Lauterbach and Horst Janson have been aboard with BMW ORALCE Racing in the past and am really looking forward to this new experience.'

Tatjana Patitz, who has a three-year-old son, is considered to be a very environmentally conscious and nature-loving person. The professed vegetarian lives on a big ranch in Malibu – together with four dogs, four cats and five horses.