The Spanish America's Cup challenger launch ESP-88

Desafío Español 2007 christened and launched this morning and in the middle of intense official racing their brand new boat ESP-88. While the sailing team was aboard ESP-65, on their way to the south race course to face China Team, the technical and shore crew, together with hundreds of guests, were ashore to launch the new boat.

It was a brief ceremony, marked by the presence of Spain's King and the premature explosion of the champaign bottle. Apparently, the original champagin bottle was left for too long in the sunlight and exploded spontaneously a few minutes before it was due. Is that a good sign for the Spanish team?

ESP-88 of Desafío Español 2007 waiting to be launched. Valencia, 12 May 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

ESP-88 of Desafío Español 2007 joins the ranks of America's Cup yachts christened and launched in Valencia. Valencia, 12 May 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

ESP-88 of Desafío Español 2007 being lowered. Actually, she was not immersed into water on her offical launch ceremony, as that was done two days ago. Valencia, 12 May 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

ESP-88, the brand new boat of Desafío Español 2007. Valencia, 12 May 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing