Louis Vuitton back in America's Cup
'The new Louis Vuitton Pacific Cup is seeking to get some of the pizazz back into America’s Cup teams'
BMW Oracle Racing © Photo Gilles Martin-Raget Click Here to view large photo
Louis Vuitton, Emirates Team New Zealand, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Auckland City Council today announced a new America's Cup series to be based in Auckland.
The format of the regattas will be similar to previous Road to the America's Cup regattas staged in the build up to the 2000 and 2003 America's Cups staged in Auckland with six invited teams.
However what is very significant about this announcement is the re-emergence of Louis Vuitton as a naming rights sponsor, and also the 25 years of experience that the French luxury goods company can swing behind the event.
In the light of the current stand-off, which leaves the future of many America's Cup challengers in the hands of the New York Supreme Court and its various Appeal processes, the announcement today gives the opportunity for America's Cup Teams to get a new game started.
Speaking at the announcement at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron today, Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton made it clear that all participants in the 32nd America's Cup and Louis Vuitton Cups would be welcome and that included Team Alinghi and BMW Oracle Racing.
Although decimated by the current Cold War in the America's Cup, the opportunity exists for teams to start putting together their own program outside the reach of the Defender and the two would-be Challengers of Record.
As with any such embryonic events the potential exists for the event to grow legs of its own and move into the space previously owned by the Acts which became a successful innovation in the build up to the 32nd America's Cup.
The statement issued by Louis Vuitton makes it clear that the Louis Vuitton Cup which had been held by the winner of the Challenger Selection series would not be used for this event. A new trophy will be awarded for the event to be entitled the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series.
Louis Vuitton's longtime spokeman on the America'sCup, Bruno Trouble also made it clear that the event was a new stand-alone series and not designed to compete with the America's Cup or the America's Cup process, whatever that might be.
Entries close at the end of October, the winner of the Challenger Round will sail against the host, Emirates Team New Zealand. The regatta will be organised by the Defender of the America's Cup in 2000 and 2003, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.
The official release text is as follows:
Louis Vuitton announced today an international match-racing series to be sailed in Auckland in January-February next year.
To be called the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series, the regatta is being held in association with the New Zealand Government, Auckland Agencies, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, SKYCITY Entertainment Group and Emirates Team New Zealand.
All sailing teams that participated in Louis Vuitton Cup regattas in the past have been invited to compete in the Auckland regatta from January 31 - February 14 2009. Organisers expect six teams will compete. Louis Vuitton will accept competing syndicates on a 'first come, first served' basis.
Races will be sailed in Emirates Team New Zealand yachts.
The boats have very similar performance. Some configuration changes will be made to ensure even racing.
Three races are planned every day on a two-mile windward-leeward course laid on Waitemata Harbour between Rangitoto Island and Orakei wharf.
Spectators will have grandstand views of the racing from North Head and Bastion Point.
The race committee will be appointed by the RNZYS with the Squadron members providing on-the-water support. A large number of volunteers will be needed on the water to man the committee boat, lay marks and act as course marshals for spectator boat control.
A Louis Vuitton spokesman Bruno Trouble said: 'The Auckland event is neither competing with the America's Cup, nor part of the next America's Cup process. The Louis Vuitton Cup, won by the top challenging syndicate since 1983 will not be at stake. A Louis Vuitton trophy will be created especially for the regatta.
'We still have a lot of work to do before the racing format is finalised and the infrastructure is in place.'
Emirates Team New Zealand managing director Grant Dalton said the team's role, apart from preparing the yachts for racing, is only that of a competitor.
'The sailing team welcomes the opportunity to get back on the water as a complete unit against some top opposition.
'The regatta will be a big event for Auckland. The action will take place over three weekends to give Aucklanders a chance to see the big boats and top teams fight it out.
He said ETNZ would do everything it could to make the yachts totally competitive. 'We know the yachts' relative performance very well and even though they're close, we know what can to be done to make them even more so.
'The organisers are looking at having a daily draw to decide which yacht the teams will sail that day. Over the course of the regatta they should all race both boats.'
Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Commodore Scott Colebrook welcomed Louis Vuitton's initiative. 'The RNZYS is looking forward to having Louis Vuitton back in Auckland and the Squadron will do everything it can to ensure the series is a success.
'Planning for the on-water operations has already commenced. The concept is excellent, the sailing venue is ideal and we eagerly anticipate hosting some great sailing.
'Auckland can expect some exciting match racing close inshore by some of the best sailing teams in the world.'
Prime Minister Helen Clark said: 'Congratulations to Louis Vuitton and Emirates Team New Zealand for organising this exciting international yachting event. New Zealand is very pleased to be hosting this regatta and Auckland with its beautiful harbour and vibrant inner city will put on a fantastic show for yachting fans and tourists.'
Mayor of Auckland John Banks says this high calibre event will be another opportunity to showcase the city to the world. 'We want this to be an event that not only establishes Auckland as a desirable major events destination, but also provides three weekends of great entertainment for Aucklanders.'
by Sail-World and Louis Vuitton
BEAUMARIS, VIC
