Princess Zahra Aga Khan Godmother Of The New Azzurra

Barcelona, May 23rd 2012

This morning was the official christening for the new boat of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, which will see Audi Azzurra Sailing Team compete in the 52 Super Series circuit.

Photo: Martinez Studio/Conde de Godò

HH Princess Zahra Aga Khan, godmother of the new Azzurra TP52 by Audi, broke the bottle of champagne over the yacht's bow with the first try, renewing the tradition of this auspicious ceremony. Earlier, during the private ceremony on the terrace of the Real Club Nautico de Barcelona, the YCCS Commodore, Riccardo Bonadeo, thanked Alberto Roemmers, owner of Azzurra and member of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, for his desire to continue the adventure that began back in1983, when Azzurra was the first Italian challenge for the America's Cup.

"Last year we finished in third place. We feel the responsibility and the honor of being able to achieve a better result this season. I would like to thank my father Alberto for his passionate support," said Pablo Roemmers.

The new Azzurra, a project of the Botin Partners design office, had already hit the water last month at Palma Vela, training regatta for the TP52 class, obtaining a victory from the onset.

After the official christening, the Audi Azzurra Sailing Team took to the sea for the practice race of the 39tth Trofeo Conde de Godo, where it finished in second place. Onboard was also Commodore Bonadeo, an expert yachtsman, who said: "It was a very positive day, where the sea and wind conditions were ideal to test the boat and crew. The guys made an excellent recovery in the first run, and the second place is fully satisfying. Boat speed and crew work are promising. If we add the fact the Princess exploded the bottle in the christening, we can expect the results we want."

Giuliano Luzzatto