The Red Dragon returns on the water

With just five days left till the start of Louis Vuitton Act 12, the most important news of the day was the relaunch of the Red Dragon, CHN-79, of China Team, the first ever America's Cup challenger from the Asian giant.

After being forced to withdraw from Act 11 last month due to a structural prolem in the boat, China Team's shore team worked round the clock to have CHN-79 ready to race once again. She was put on the water on Saturday morning and immediately afterwards, the sailing team went off the Malvarosa beach to carry out the first test sail.

It was a smooth ride, as one can tell from the video, and the Chinese team was lucky to take advantage of the very good wind conditions that prevail during the last couple of weeks.

CHN-79 on her first test sail after Louis Vuitton Act 11. Valencia 17 June 2006. Video copyright: Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing