Arnault celebrates Emirates New Zealand winning the America's Cup in Barcelona

Bernard Arnault, the richest man in Europe, celebrated Emirates New Zealand's victory in the 37th edition of the Louis Vuitton America's Cup in Barcelona this weekend, presenting the cup to Peter Burling, helmsman of the winning team.

Emirates New Zealand Team won the 'Auld Mug', as the trophy has long been nicknamed, by defeating INEOS Britannia in waters off the coast of the Catalan capital.

“This year's Copa América is an example of ambition, innovation and excellence, and we share with the Copa América the same values ​​that have driven our association since 1983, more than 40 years,” said Arnault.

“The America's Cup is more than a race. It is a symbol of human ingenuity, teamwork and an inspiration for future sailors. Louis Vuitton remains committed to this magnificent sport and we look forward to many more years of competition and unforgettable moments like that of today”.

The coveted trophy was inside its Louis Vuitton Trophy trunk and was awarded by Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, and Pietro Beccari, Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton. The executives presented the trophy to Emirates New Zealand Team helmsman Peter Burling.

“As defender and organizer of the 37th Louis Vuitton America's Cup, and now also the only one to win three times in a row with the same team, you have demonstrated exceptional skill on and off the water, setting a high bar for the future. editions,” Beccari said.

The first Vuitton Trophy trunk was created for the Auld Mug in 1988 for the America's Cup won by the San Diego Yacht Club. The contemporary version of the Trophy Trunk, manufactured in the historic Louis Vuitton workshop in Asnières. The Trophy Trunk is wrapped in the iconic Monogram canvas that features a “V” for “Victoria” in blue and red stripes on the front trunk doors.

In the final competition, which began on October 12, INEOS Britannia challenged Defender champion Emirates Team New Zealand for the final prize. Somewhat confusingly, the name of the challenger competition, which began in late August, is the Louis Vuitton Cup.

Beccari also had words for the defeated finalists: “To INEOS Britannia, my sincere admiration for your formidable challenge. “We are proud to have presented him with the Louis Vuitton Cup and his trophy case, a symbol of his remarkable achievement.”