Insistent from the outset that the crew be representative of all South Africans, he speaks of the campaign as an African dream that aptly portrays a Proudly South African initiative with typical African spirit and will to succeed.

Captain Sarno made headlines at the opening Act of the America's Cup in Marseille last month when he said:

"I have been told several times that it is a wonderful thing that we are here as an African team, trying to take the America's Cup to South Africa. But that is not exactly what we are here for. Really we are here to bring a part of Africa to Europe and the America's Cup."

"Only the most technologically advanced countries in the world can mount a challenge for the Cup and this gives us the chance to present South Africa as a modern, dynamic, exciting country with the skills and technalogical expertise equal to the best in the world.

"It is an opportunity to show that all South Africa's citizens can work together, do well and have success together. In essence it is an opportunity to be part of the African renaissance. The America's Cup is the most sophisticated sporting event in the world. It is a perfect fit," said Captain Sarno.

As chairman of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) South Africa, Captain Sarno is an accomplished yachtsman himself and has been a committed sponsor and supporter of local and international yacht racing and development sailing programmes since he first came to South Africa 19 years ago from Italy.

Most successful of these has been his sponsorship and support for the Izivunguvungu MSC Foundation For Youth, started by SA Olympic sailor Ian Ainslie in 1997. The school, based in Simonstown near Cape Town focuses on teaching disadvantaged youths and street children life skills through sail training.

** The official South African Challenge Club is the Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town.