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24 April 2005, 10:14 am

Team Shosholoza Builds First New Boat

America's Cup 2007

Cape Town, South Africa

Team Shosholoza has become the first team of the 32nd America's Cup to build a new boat, after the hull of the RSA-83 was unveilled in Cape Town. This is the first America's Cup boat to be designed and built in South Africa.

During a champagne ceremony at the Royal Cape Yacht Club, the hull, sporting the distinctive Shosholoza graphics inspired by Ndebele and Zulu beadwork, was officially unveiled by Mrs. Sandra SARNO, wife of Captain Salvatore SARNO, the managing director and driving force behind Team Shosholoza.

'What you see here today is the first evidence of the realization of our African Dream for the oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy in the world,' said Capt SARNO. 'Our campaign is not only about sailing, but rather a perfect opportunity for showcasing South Africa's technology, incredible human initiative, skills and expertise...'

The shape of the hull is the result of over 15,000 hours of research and design by a team led by naval architect Jason KER, whilst building the boat required nearly 25,000 man-hours of work.

Shosholoza RSA-83 will leave Cape Town immediately aboard a container ship for Valencia, Spain, where it will be prepared to race for the 2005 season, beginning with the Valencia Louis Vuitton Acts starting on 16 June.