Wednesday 9 March 2011

D35: The Vulcain Watch Manufacturer New Partner of the D35 Series



by Aurélie Fontanellaz and Virginie Grangier

Two months prior to the start of the 2011 season the class of the Decision 35 is looking forward to welcoming two new partners: the watch manufacturer VULCAIN and LES AMBASSADEURS. In addition to these partnerships there will also be a new programme for the 2011 season, two regattas will take place in the Mediterranean.

Today, the entire class of Decision 35 is proud to announce its new partnership with the watch manufacturer Vulcain from Le Locle. The championship of D35 catamarans, formerly known as the Challenge Julius Baer, will be renamed and called the VULCAIN TROPHY for the next editions. This alliance, which is based on common values such as precision, elaborate technology and excellence, will allow the championship to continue its success in Switzerland and abroad.

The kick off for the VULCAIN TROPHY 2011 will be on the weekend of May 5th to May 8th with a Grand Prix of a unique format, which will take place between Lausanne and Geneva. On the occasion of this premiere, the watch retail-seller, Les Ambassadeurs, will join forces with the Beau-Rivage Palace, long-time partner of the Decision 35, to support the Grand Prix Les Ambassadeurs by Beau- Rivage Palace. Therefore, the class of the Decision 35 is extremely happy to be able to count Les Ambassadeurs as a partner for the first time.

A further innovation in the programme of the VULCAIN TROPHY 2011 is that two competitions will take place in the Mediterranean, both in September. From September 1st to September 4th, the Decision 35 boats will square off in Beaulieu-sur-Mer in the South of France, then the twelve teams will head to Antibes from September 22nd to September 25th for the final act of the championship.

The auspices are therefore ideal for the class of the Decision 35! We invite you now to join us for the kick off of the VULCAIN TROPHY in May. Renato A. Vanotti, Chairman of Vulcain: "The Vulcain Watch Manufacture is proud to associate itself with the Decision 35 for the next seasons of sailing. The team spirit of this event and of the participating teams completely corresponds to the values of Vulcain watches: innovation and perfection, team spirit and the desire to have fair competition against the best teams of its category."

Nicolas Grange, president of the Decision 35 class: "The whole class of Decision 35 is very happy to welcome the Vulcain Watch Manufacture and Les Ambassadeurs as partners of the championship. Also due to the fact that we have several innovations in our programme, the 2011 season promises to be very spectacular. We are now all looking forward to competing again in Spring and to sharing our passion for sailing and catamarans with our new partners in Switzerland and in France."

Vulcain in some words: The Vulcain Watch Manufacture was founded in 1858 and is the inventor of the Cricket mechanical alarm wristwatch. This innovation is at the origin of the popularity of the Vulcain brand with American presidents and its legendary nickname: "The Watch for Presidents". Since Harry S. Truman every single American president has been the owner of a Vulcain alarm wristwatch. This tradition has continued up to the present President of the United States.

Les Ambassadeurs in some words: Since 1964, Les Ambassadeurs - The Leading House of Leading Names - has established itself as a partner of high renown amongst the luxury watch and jewellery business and offers a guarantee for professional and competent advice, before as well as after the acquisition of a watch. Talented watchmakers, trained by the most prestigious brands are available for all clients to share their know-how and their passion for watchmaking.

VULCAIN TROPHY 2011 – Schedule:


May 5/8: Grand Prix Les Ambassadeurs by the Beau-Rivage Palace / Lausanne & Geneva
May 20/22: Realstone Cup/ Crans-sur-Nyon
June 11: Geneva - Rolle - Geneva / Geneva
June 12/13: Sogeti Cup / Geneva
June 18: Bol d'or Mirabaud / Geneva
1/4 Septembre: Grand Prix Beaulieu-sur-Mer / France
22/24 Septembre: Grand Prix Antibes / France

Vulcain Trophy