The first Chinese America’s Cup class in the history of the America’s Cup was christened in Valencia, Spain.

CHN 95 has become Longtze, "the son of the dragon", and will carry the Chinese colors during the 32nd America’s Cup, starting April 3rd 2007.

The christening ceremony took place at the China Team base in Valencia, including the presence of the Mayor of Valencia, Rita Barbera, Mr. Qiu Xiaoqi, Chinese ambassador from Madrid, Wang Chao Yong, syndicate president, sponsors of the team and 300 invited guests.

Longtze was christened by Xin Li, Chinese model and actress, ambassador for the team since its creation, who opened up a bottle of Chivas on the bow of the America’s Cup Class yacht.

"The christening of Longtze represents a new historical event in the development in Chinese sailing", said Wang Chaoyong, President of China Team. "It is not only the the first America's Cup Class 'made in China' but also a perfect combination between courage, passion, technology, innovation and team spirit. China is a nation of dragons and Longtze, son of the dragon, belongs to this lineage!"

"There is a little more than one month to carry out the preparation of Longtze before the start of the first Round Robin of Louis Vuitton Cup", added Xavier de Lesquen, Executive Manager. "With this new boat, it is year 1 for China Team in the Cup. It is the beginning of the quest. Tonight we celebrate the boat but also the China Team base, which we wanted open, transparent and accessible to the public".