Louis Vuitton, Omega, Emirates Team New Zealand’s America’s Cup Victory

The 37th Louis Vuitton America’s Cup in Barcelona, that concluded  this past weekend,  offered a spectacular chapter in the rich history of this legendary race. Emirates Team New Zealand and Ineos Britannia went head-to-head in a thrilling contest, blending sailing expertise with cutting-edge technology and precision. In the end, Emirates Team New Zealand emerged victorious, cementing its position as the Defender of the Auld Mug for the third consecutive time.

Dating back to 1851, the America’s Cup is the oldest international sporting competition – one dependent on sheer skill, perseverance, technical advancements and perfect timing.

In the final showdown of this 37^th edition, Team New Zealand won 7-2 in a best-of-13 series, overpowering Ineos Britannia, helmed by renowned British sailor Sir Ben Ainslie. Despite the Challenger of Record’s best efforts, the elusive Cup remains out of reach for Great Britain, which has never won the prestigious title in the competition’s 173-year history.

Ineos Britannia’s journey to the finals was hard-fought, securing victory in the Louis Vuitton Cup Races — the qualifying series that determines the America’s Cup challenger. Their success in winning the Louis Vuitton Trophy Trunk highlighted their status as a fierce contender. However, New Zealand’s dominance on the water proved too much, adding another victory to their growing legacy.

But the teams weren’t the only ones victorious. A host of watch and luxury brands also had a hand in this year’s America’s Cup, as well as previous ones.

Louis Vuitton

As Title Partner of the 37th America’s Cup, Louis Vuitton once again brought its legacy of craftsmanship and innovation to the event. The brand’s relationship with the Cup stretches back to 1983, making Louis Vuitton synonymous with the elegance and tradition that define the competition. In 2024, the Maison was honored with the prestigious Sir Richard Francis Sutton Medal and inducted into the America’s Cup Hall of Fame for its enduring contributions to the event.

Louis Vuitton’s involvement went beyond sponsorship. The luxury brand created two custom trunks: one for the Louis Vuitton Challenger Series, awarded to Ineos Britannia, and the other for the America’s Cup Trophy itself, which Emirates Team New Zealand proudly received. The trunks, presented by LVMH Chairman Bernard Arnault and Louis Vuitton Chairman Pietro Beccari at the victory event, symbolize Louis Vuitton’s deep ties to the competition and its role in celebrating the artistry of sailing.

Omega

As every moment counts in sailing, Omega played a crucial role as the Official Timekeeper of the 37th America’s Cup. The Swiss watch brand has partnered with Emirates Team New Zealand since 1995, providing state-of-the-art timing technology to the defending champions. Omega’s Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black ETNZ edition, designed in honor of the team, reflects the precision required for victory. Priced at $13,300, the 45.5mm timepiece features a pre-race countdown indicator and boasts water resistance up to 600 meters, embodying Omega’s commitment to high-performance watches suited for the seas.

Panerai

Panerai has also had a role and this year the brand continued its partnership with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, a contender in the race for the Challenger spot. To honor the team and its role in the sailing competitions, Panerai introduced the Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa Ti-Ceramitech™, a 44mm timepiece priced at $16,600. Its rugged construction, made from patented materials, underscores Panerai’s focus on durability and performance.

Tudor

Similarly, Tudor, in collaboration with Alinghi Red Bull Racing, launched the Pelagos FXD “Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition.” Built for competitive sailing, this watch is priced at $5,275 and features a combination of carbon composite, stainless steel, and titanium, showcasing Tudor’s innovative approach to sports watches.