Britain's entry in what is considered the most important yacht race in the world. The America's Cup, was launched on Saturday (14 April). The 12 metre 'Lionheart' is Britain's first challenge for the America's Cup since 1964. In the last 129 years, there have been 23 challenges by Britain, France, Australia, Canada, and Sweden for The America's Cup, but all have failed.

SYNOPSIS: The crew and skipper of the 'LIONHEART' turned out for the launching ceremony at Southampton.

The British Industry 1500 Club is financing the challenge of the 'Lionheart'. Lady Methven, wife of the club's president, carried out the traditional launching ceremony.

Work began on the 'Lionheart' in mid-1978 after a campaign was launched by the leader of the 1964 America's Cup challenge, Mr. Tony Boyden. The 'Lionheart' is valued at GBP 250,000.

The eleven-man crew fro the 'Lionheart's' first sail have been selected they will be kippered by John Oakley, who has already built up a distinguished career in sailing in Britain. The 12-metre yacht was designed specially fro the America's Cup challenge, and is of aluminium construction.

The 1979 schedule for the 'Lionheart' includes intensive trials, boat show appearances and competitions in sweden, all in preparation fro The America's Cup races in 1980.