China Team's CHN-79 gets her dragon

The painting of the hull of CHN-79 is about to reach completion with only a few final touches left. The red dragon is now completely visible and without any doubt the result is very impressive. We visited the China Team shed this morning in order report on the progress of what will probably be the most beautiful America's Cup yacht. Our photos don't entirely do justice to CHN-79, given the obvious spatial constraints and less than ideal light conditions. We were after all inside a tent and not a photographer's studio.

The deck of the boat will also be painted in a few days and then a final gloss will be applied. We are anxious to see the boat ready and sailing in Valencia's waters. Who knows, the dragon could emerge and produce some pleasant surprises or upsets during the next Louis Vuitton Acts in six weeks.

The hull of CHN-79 being painted in the China Team shed. Valencia, 29 March 2006. Photo taken by Valencia Sailing

The hull of CHN-79 being painted in the China Team shed. Detail of the red dragon. Valencia, 29 March 2006. Photo taken by Valencia Sailing

The hull of CHN-79 being painted in the China Team shed. Valencia, 29 March 2006. Photo taken by Valencia Sailing

The hull of CHN-79 being painted in the China Team shed. Valencia, 29 March 2006. Photo taken by Valencia Sailing