VILLENEUVE, Switzerland — America's Cup champion Alinghi has unveiled the new catamaran it will use to prepare for the defense of its title against BMW Oracle.

The 90-foot vessel was lifted by helicopter Wednesday onto Lake Geneva and christened in a ceremony led by team president Ernesto Bertarelli. The boat was named Alinghi 5.

Earlier this week, rival BMW Oracle Racing of San Francisco relaunched its 90-foot trimaran after the carbon-fiber boat was modified in the last four months.

BMW Oracle Racing is scheduled to face two-time defending America's Cup champion Alinghi in a best-of-3 series starting Feb. 8 for the oldest trophy in international sports.