12 teams named for Louis Vuitton Pacific Series

12:22 AM Sun 9 Nov 2008 GMT

'The competitors at the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series assemble at the New Zealand Embassy in Paris for the announcement of the entries in the event. Series organiser, Bruno Trouble, is at the far right.' Louis Vuitton Click Here to view large photo

Louis Vuitton announced today that 12 teams from 11 countries will compete in the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in Auckland starting on January 30 2009.

Making the announcement at the New Zealand embassy in Paris, New Zealand ambassador Sarah Dennis joined the chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton in welcoming the participating teams.

Fourteen teams have confirmed they want to compete. With the number of participants being limited to 12, two teams are on the waiting list. If, in the next month, one or more teams drop out, the teams in waiting will have the opportunity to fill the vacancy.

Yves Carcelle said: 'The success of the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series has exceeded our expectations. We are pleased that the announcement of this event has created a sense of excitement and conciliation in the world of top-level match racing.'

When the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series was announced last September, 23 teams expressed their interest.

The teams will arrive in Auckland on January 23 to familiarise themselves with the boats, which have been loaned for the regatta by BMW Oracle Racing and Emirates Team New Zealand. Two weeks of match racing competition starts on January 30.

Bruno Troubl?, spokesperson for Louis Vuitton, said that the gathering of international teams and sailors committed to the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series is one of the most impressive ever brought together.

Pietro Beccari Senior Vice President Marketing and Communications for Louis Vuitton, Her Excellency Mrs Sarah Dennis, NZ Ambassador, Yves Carcelle, Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton, and Bruno Trouble, organizer of the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series. - Louis Vuitton Click Here to view large photo

The Louis Vuitton Pacific Series is being organised in association with the New Zealand Government, Emirates Team New Zealand, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Auckland City and Sky City Entertainment Group.

A representative from each of the team met in Paris this week. Operations director Kevin Shoebridge represented Emirates Team New Zealand.

Alinghi, winner and defender of the 2003 Louis Vuitton Cup is one of the confirmed participants.

Six daily match races are planned on short windward-leeward courses laid on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, between Rangitoto Island and the city foreshore. There will be a daily draw to decide which yacht competing teams will sail that day.

LOUIS VUITTON PACIFIC SERIES (By order of entry)

Emirates Team New Zealand - New Zealand
Luna Rossa - Italy
BMW Oracle - USA
K-Challenge- France
Mascalzone Latino - Italy
Team Origin - UK
China Team - China
Team Shosholoza - South Africa
Italia - Vasco Vascotto - Italy
Team Germany - Germany
Greek Challenge - Greece
Alinghi- Switzerland

Waiting list:
Italia - Francesco De Angelis - Italy
Team French Spirit - Marc Pajot - France

by Keith Taylor

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