International yachting fever relaunches in New Zealand
16 Sep 2008
Come summer 2009, international yachting fever will return to Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour as the world’s top racing yachties set sail in a new Louis Vuitton-sponsored yacht regatta.
Some of the world's top yachting syndicates have been invited to compete in the just announced Louis Vuitton Pacific Series - a three-week round-robin event scheduled to take place on the glistening waters of Auckland’s inner Waitemata Harbour.
The harbour setting will provide an amazing spectacle for the public, with views from both on and off the water. Known as the ‘city of sails’ for its huge population of pleasure craft, Auckland sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, and much of the vibrant South Pacific city lies within view of the harbour or coast.
Louis Vuitton Cup challengers
The Louis Vuitton Pacific Series will be raced using full America's Cup-sized boats and sailing teams.
Five or six teams will take part in the regatta, and are likely to include past Louis Vuitton Cup challengers competing against local team, Team New Zealand.
Swiss team Alinghi, 2007 winners of the America’s Cup, have been invited to the series, and Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton said it would be "fantastic" if they accepted.
It is not yet known which teams will accept the invitation. They have until 30 October to enter.
The winner will receive the Louis Vuitton trophy specially created for the series.
Team New Zealand
Organisers include Emirates Team New Zealand, the Auckland-based Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and the New Zealand Government.
The regatta will be held over three weekends beginning on 31 January, with three races a day until the final on 14 February.
Teams will begin arriving from 24 January.
New Zealand boats
All teams will sail New Zealand boats. Team New Zealand is providing two boats built for the 2007 Valencia America's Cup that will be modified to be as similar as possible.
New Zealand’s boat-building industry has won international recognition for the quality of its craft, and as the winners of two America’s Cup challenges.
Over the years, New Zealand sailors have won most of the top international trophies, including the America's Cup and the Whitbread Race.
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