President Rogge (right) meets ETNZ skipper Dean Barker at Team New Zealand base, in Valencia (Spain). Credit : PHOTOPRESS/Alessandro Della Bella

The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge, yesterday took an eventful turn as "18th man" on board the Team New Zealand (ETNZ) boat in Valencia (Spain). Invited by skipper and Omega Ambassador Dean Barker, Rogge had a close-up look at the thrilling world of America's Cup-class sailing. Following his exciting afternoon on the boat, Jacques Rogge said, "For a sailor like me, to be on such a boat it is like a violinist playing a Stradivarius."

Welcoming Jacques Rogge to Valencia was Omega President Stephen Urquhart, who accompanied him on a visit to the ETNZ base, where Team Director Grant Dalton introduced Rogge to ETNZ skipper Dean Barker and the ETNZ team. After briefing his guests on the day's event, Grant Dalton invited Jacques Rogge to board the ETNZ boat as official "18th man" for the afternoon's sailing.

President Rogge concluded his day of sailing at the historic Mercado de Colon to inaugurate the Omega "Time for Challenges" exhibition with Stephen Urquhart, which illustrates the brand's long-standing engagement with the pioneering spirit.

Omega, a long-time Olympic partner

Omega has been the Official Timekeeper to the IOC since the Los Angeles Games in 1932 and has delivered the official results at 22 Olympic Games to date. As Official Timekeeper, Omega assures the accuracy of scoring and competition results, and ensures that results are delivered promptly to the public at the venues and through broadcast, print and online media to audiences around the world.

President Rogge with ETNZ skipper Dean Barker. Credit : PHOTOPRESS/Alessandro Della Bella

President Rogge with Stephen Urquhart, Omega President (left) and Grant Dalton, ETNZ Team Director . Credit : PHOTOPRESS/Alessandro Della Bella