11:51 PM Wed 21 Jan 2009 GMT
Sailing listeners in Auckland and around the world will be able to follow match racing in the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series through live race-by-race commentary on radio BSport Sailing 103.0 FM. Starting on 30 January and continuing for the next two weeks, the popular sport radio station will broadcast daily expert sailing commentary to its Auckland audience.
Sailing fans outside the station's range will be able receive the coverage through streaming audio links on the BSport website, and the Emirates Team New Zealand web site and the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series website.
Ross Blackman, one of New Zealand's who was closely associatd with Team New Zealand's campaigns in 2003 and 2007, will anchor the commentary along with international media and sailing guests each day.
It is expected many thousands of people will watch the racing and with the addition of BSport Sailing on 103.0 FM, the Series can offer an enhanced experience with safety and community messages, full time commentary and expert opinion.
Emirates Team New Zealand managing director Grant Dalton said: 'Previous regattas were sailed out in the Gulf but the LVPS will take place right in front of them.
 | BMW Oracle Racing and Emirates Team New Zealand on the second practice day - Louis Vuitton Pacific Series - 22 January 2009 - Richard Gladwell |
'We expect many thousands will watch from the vantage points on shore and on the water. Our commentators will call every race with insights into strategies and tactics. They'll also have access to up-to-the-minute weather and course information so spectators will know exactly what's going on.
'There are also safety considerations. We need a reliable way to communicate quickly with people because there will be a lot of spectator craft in relatively confined water. '
BSport Operation Manager Scott Walker said 'We're very pleased that we have been able to extend traditional media coverage with a dedicated frequency for sailing fans - and would like to thank Te Runanga o Ngati Whatua for supporting the use of the frequency, and the Minister of Maori Affairs, the Honourable Dr Pita Sharples, for giving his approval for the use of the frequency'.
BSport's regular programming on 1476 AM continues for the duration of the Series and BSport Sailing will simulcast the BSport Breakfast show hosted by Ian Smith, Dean Lonergan and Nathan Rarere each weekday morning.
Audio and broadcast information will also be available online at www.bsport.co.nz
by BSport Sailing Media
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