Mascalzone pulls the pin on Louis Vuitton Series

1:00 AM Tue 2 Dec 2008 GMT

'Mascalzone Latino sailing in the Louis Vuitton Cup' Event Media Click Here to view large photo

Reports overnight indicate that one significant team Mascalzone Latino, have withdrawn from the 2009 Louis Vuitton Pacific Series, citing the current international economic situation and a lack of sponsors for the three week event.

There are two teams, Italia and French Spirit, on the reserve list, and these are expected to be now invited to maintain the original fleet size. Italia Challenge is calling a media conference on 4 December.

The statement from the Mascalzone Latino team website reads:

Dear friends and supporters,

It is with deep regret that I inform you to have withdrawn the entry of our team from the next Louis Vuitton Pacific Series.

This decision is the result of a lengthy deliberation, and it doesn't reflect my wish. It is due to the difficult international economic situation which is making nearly impossible to find sponsors that would cover, even partially, the operational costs for a participation aiming a good performance.

Further, making a low level's participation to the Auckland regatta would mortify our aspirations for an event which deserves the maximum standard in terms of sport and organization.

My great sorrow in giving up is mostly for Louis Vuitton which is , in my opinion , the only depositary of the Cup's tradition and dignity.

For this reason, I wish 'good wind' to this event and to all participants and I hope its promoters will keep on with their dedication into our sport with the same passion they always had.

On our part, while waiting for the America's Cup to find a reasonable and viable way to be pursued, Mascalzone Latino confirms its participation into 2009 Farr 40 Class regatta.

Vincenzo Onorato

by Richard Gladwell, Sail-World

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Mascalzone pulls the pin on Louis Vuitton Series

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