Colbert Goes Yachting With Audi

Audi’s press conference at this week’s New York Auto Show received some unexpected comic relief with an appearance by Stephen Colbert.  The dry-witted political humorist, seen above at left with fellow funnyman and car guy Adam Carolla, joined Audi of America president Johan de Nysschen to announce Audi’s entry into the 2011 Charleston Bermuda Race, a biennial yachting competition to be held on May 21.  Now in its 16^th running, the challenging ocean race sets sail from Charleston, SC en route to Bermuda, with part of the course navigating around the notorious Bermuda Triangle.

“Audi’s partnership with Stephen furthers our standing commitment to sports,” commented de Nysschen. “We’re proud to support winning teams in this arena and are expecting nothing less than greatness from Stephen and Team Audi.”

Team Audi’s 65-foot ocean racing yacht, creatively titled “The Audi,” will feature the company’s signature interlocking rings logo on its spinnaker sail.  Colbert, a Charleston native who has competed in the 777-mile race once before, was named Honorary Captain of the Fleet by the event’s organizers last February, when he declared his intention to participate in the race.  With Audi’s announcement today of their sponsorship of Colbert, the comedian draws double-duty as The Audi’s Morale Officer.  Who would have guessed that sarcastic irony would be an effective tool for motivating hands on deck during a tack?  Then again, if you’re stuck in the Bermuda Triangle, it probably would be best to have someone around that can lighten the mood…

Below, a scale model of the Audi at the New York Auto Show