Jean-Claude Biver is thrilledHublot steps aboard with Alinghi to defend Switzerland and the 33rd America’s Cup!
This is a new, prestigious partnership for the watch brand, which will today join the race campaign alongside the Swiss defender Alinghi. The Swiss yacht's bid to win the America’s Cup in February 2010 against the American BMW Oracle yacht has inspired Hublot's CEO, Jean-Claude Biver. His meeting with Ernesto Bertarelli revealed the many values shared by the brand and Team Alinghi. Both are at the cutting edge of technology in terms of brand new materials and innovations, and are engaged in a constant search for excellence. Partnerships with research and development centres such as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, or EPFL) reveal a common passion for the quality and precision characterised by "Swissness". The two owners of Alinghi and Hublot also share a vision of work as a team effort, and a respect for tradition.
Hublot has always had close links with the world of yachting - firstly through its name, which means 'porthole' in French, through its partnerships with prestigious sailing clubs such as Yacht Club Monaco and Real Club Nautico de Palma, or through sponsorship deals with numerous races and yachts. This new alliance with Alinghi seems the obvious choice for the brand. Next February it will embark on an adventure with all the energy and passion for which it is renowned, in a race taking place in the waters off Ras al-Khaimah, aboard a truly remarkable catamaran.
Jean-Claude Biver is thrilled: "We had the chance to admire the yacht as it left the yard, and when it first took to the water on Lake Geneva. It is a magnificent boat and it represents the essence of Swiss expertise, with nearly 200 Swiss companies having worked on it. The "Swiss Made" label has never been more appropriate! The Swiss people - myself included - have shown no hesitation in displaying their admiration for Team Alinghi, and I am even more proud that we are the first brand to become one of the main sponsors of this incredible adventure. I am delighted to be able to help Alinghi win the Cup once more, this time against BMW Oracle."
Hublot will produce an exclusive limited edition watch in the Alinghi colours, made from materials similar to those used in the construction of the yacht itself.