The prestigious Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer and the People's Republic of China's first-ever America's Cup Challenger sign a long-term agreement for the world's single most important sailing event.

"It is with great pride that TAG Heuer embarks again on this legendary sailing adventure, made even more extraordinary because we are now siding with the first-ever Chinese challenger in the 151-year history of the America's Cup," says TAG Heuer CEO and President Jean-Christophe Babin.

"This partnership is an important part of TAG Heuer's global brand commitment to the People's Republic of China, where TAG Heuer is now distributed in the best high-end watch and jewelry stores, including exclusive boutiques in the major cities".

TAG Heuer's shield and logo will be prominently featured on the boom and afterdeck of China Team America's Cup boats (CHN 69 and CHN 79 in 2005) as well as on the China Team racing and sailing team uniforms and on their Valencia and Qingdao sailing bases.

The partnership also covers product development with the afterguard members and the engineers responsible for designing the new boats for 2006/2007.

The partnership will start in Valencia in June 2005 with the Louis Vuitton Acts 4 and 5 and will continue till the end of 2007, with options to be extended beyond.

"This Challenge is very different from the other Challenges TAG Heuer has teamed with in the past, as the America's Cup is totally new for Chinese", says Jean-Christophe Babin.

"It will probably take two or three participations to accumulate the necessary experience and skills to win the prestigious event. That's why we believe this partnership is only the first step of a long-term collaboration with China Team, with the goal to be proudly on the wrists of the first Chinese team to win the most coveted sports trophy in the world".

In 2002/2003, TAG Heuer joined forces with BMW-Oracle Racing (USA 76), again skippered by Chris Dickson and helmed by Peter Holmberg, both TAG Heuer ambassadors.