Australians in French America's Cup Team

by Sports Com Europe/Sail-World editor on 9 Jan 2002 Two Australian yachtsmen, grinder Paul Mackenzie from Melbourne and
tactician/helmsman Sebastien Destremau from Perth, are to be part of the sailing squad
for the French America's Cup challenge. They will soon be joining the base in France
and will work together with all of the 'Le Defi' team. The next America's Cup will start in Auckland in October 2002.


Now with a new training base, it’s a new step for the French Team for the Louis Vuitton Cup, Le Defi 2003, with the
inauguration of its home new 2500 sq m facility training base in Lorient on the Brittany
coast.

'This facility is a dream base for the Challenge,' Le Defi director Pierre Mas said. 'All of
our needs have been accounted for, and it provides everything we need' he concluded.

The base features one of the biggest sail lofts in Europe for sail development and repair,
full sea access at any tide to launch America's Cup-class boats and a giant boat shed
for building and modification. The sailing crew will be kept happy with gym facilities, a
physiotherapy area and a number of private briefing rooms. The base also features a
press briefing room and a reception area for entertaining sponsors and dignitaries.