America's Cup 2003 - America's Cup Home Page

After years of anticipation, hopes and dreams, the America’s Cup 2003 has finally come to an end. And what a ride it was – the glamour of the Louis Vuitton Cup ball, the magnificent superyachts and the good men who sailed them, the parties and the parades. As summer cools to autumn and the Cup draws to a close, Alinghi sail away with the honours and take this magnificent event to Europe.

Our Roving Reporter has been on the spot to keep you posted on what's happening during the America's Cup season. There's more to Cup action than just the race itself!

MILLENNIUM CUP Another glamorous sailing event is currently underway in Auckland - this time with floating palaces. Read More

LOUIS VUITTON FINAL CELEBRATIONS Auckland salutes the winner of the Louis Vuitton Final, with jeroboams of spraying Moet and a ceremonial dunking. Read More ›

THE LOUIS VUITTON PARTY Shrouded in secrecy until the last possible moment, the Louis Vuitton Party in Auckland was nothing short of spectacular! Read More ›

MORE REPORTS ... From extravagant parties to magnificent sailing ships, find out about all the Cup season excitement through the Roving Reporter write ups. Read More

Slideshow     9 shots IT'S BEEN A BLAST! Moments from the 2003 America's Cup season. View Slideshow

Fireworks display celebrating 20 years of the Louis Vuitton Cup, Auckland.
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In town for the entire event has been a fleet of lovely ships – mammoth superyachts belonging to the immortally rich and fabulously famous. Money flowed like wine and not an expense was spared in satisfying every whim. To demonstrate their fabulous wealth, the superyachts raced in the Millennium Cup – a race like none other in the world. Over 60 yachts between 80-300 feet long raced from Auckland to the beautiful Kawau Island. Anchoring in the bay, the owners and their crews spent the evening in the handsome surrounds of Mansion House.

	Winning skipper Russell Coutts, surrounded by the thousands of spectators who turned out for the Louis Vuitton Cup prize giving.
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And when Alinghi took the line in the Louis Vuitton Cup it was partying until dawn followed the next night by a more formal but totally glamorous prizegiving on Puketutu Island. And as if that wasn’t enough, the following night was the 20th anniversary of the Louis Vuitton Cup with another fireworks display that set the Auckland skyline alight.

Prada Challenge is led into the parade by the Italian Navy Band from Rome, flown to New Zealand especially for the parade.
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Sadly for New Zealand, the America’s Cup won’t be hosted here next time as Alinghi takes it to Europe. However it’s not all bad. The city of Auckland, the Viaduct, the people and the spectacular Hauraki Gulf will continue to delight visitors to this wonderful city.