Marseille says "Que la fête commence!"
 

September 4, 2004  (French Langauge Version Here)
 

photo: ©2004 CupInfo

Act 1 of the 32nd America's Cup was launched with fanfare today in Marseille's Vieux Port.

The Auld Mug toured the harbor alongside the Louis Vuitton Cup, in a very Mediterranean parade, surrounded by several smiling children in their small Optimist dinghys.

Before noon, the six competing teams gathered alongside the old quay fronting the Marseille City Hall, where the crowd had a rare opportunity to freely chat with the crews from each team.

The day was a treat for both the inhabitants of Marseille and the numerous tourists able to enjoy many different festivities taking place in the Vieux Port.

And then a splendid sailing parade began with the six competing America's Cup Class yachts, quickly surrounded by hundreds of spectator boats. Defender Alinghi led the procession followed by the Challenger of Record BMW Oracle, then the crowd favorite South Africans, the New Zealanders, and the two French teams, Le Defi and local K-Challenge.  Despite the presence of French home teams and the present and past Cup winners, it was the South Africans, making their Cup debut, who received the loudest applause of all. 

The opening ceremonies will reach a climax with tonight's fireworks at the entrance of the Vieux Port.

The party is on!

The serious business starts tomorrow, with the first race set to start shortly after 1230 Sunday afternoon.