Romain Troublé - Le Défi Areva, France

	Romain Troublé, bowman/sail maker, Le Défi Areva syndicate, France.

Bruno Troublé established himself initially through his sailing exploits in past Regattas, but for more than a decade he’s been the face of the Louis Vuitton Cup.

Now his son Romain is continuing the tradition by returning to New Zealand for his second taste of an America's Cup Regatta.

As he was in 1999-2000, he’s again with the Le Défi Areva syndicate as a bowman, and has additional skills as a sail maker.

Q: What activities do you enjoy while you’re in New Zealand?

A: At the moment I don't have much time for other activities. Since we arrived in Auckland, we have been very busy training and preparing to race. But when I do have the chance, I really like extreme sports. At the same time, we have to be very careful with the activities we do as it’s so close to the start of the Louis Vuitton Cup.

Q: What do you enjoy about living here?

A: Of course we love living here in New Zealand, because it is quite like France in some places - except that here, there are not as many people everywhere you go.

You can even go to tourist destinations in New Zealand and there might only be one or two other people there sometimes. It's incredible.

What I love about Auckland is that it is a big city close to the sea. We don't have this in France, at least not as well situated as Auckland is, with all this seas around it.

I also like the fact there is no pollution here. The weather is nice as well, especially for sailors. And, while it’s quite a new city, Auckland is fairly cosmopolitan which is really nice.

Q: What tourist attractions and activities have you taken in here?

A: When I was last here for the 1999-2000 Regatta, I went to Queenstown and did all the summer activities I could. I tried canoeing, bungy jumping and paragliding and I even went in an acrobatic plane!

I also rented a car and drove to the top of the country – Cape Reinga. That was such a great trip. The far north is really beautiful. I really like it up there.

Q: What are the big differences you notice about life here?

A: I am from Antibes on the Cote d'Azur, but I have spent the last six years in Paris.

I love Paris with all the history and culture it has. You can't beat Paris for that. But it doesn't have the sea and, for a sailor, that is not ideal. That’s where Auckland has it all over Paris and so many other cities.

Q: What would you rate as your favourite holiday destinations in New Zealand?

A: After the America’s Cup Regatta, I am going to take a campervan and travel around the South Island. I want to take a few weeks doing it so I can see it properly. There is so much to take in down there.