New Louis Vuitton trophy awaits victors
13 Feb 2009
As Emirates Team New Zealand and Alinghi set sail in the final stages of the inaugural Louis Vuitton Pacific Series, the chances of the international yachting event happening again - and in Auckland - are growing stronger by the day.
The Louis Vuitton Pacific Series was conceived as a one-off event but, according to event coordinator Bruno Troublé, the organisers are now considering doing it again because the friendly regatta has been such a success.
There was "a strong possibility that we will return to Auckland next year and do this again," Bruno Troublé said.
Smiles on the faces
Asked how he rated the event’s success, Mr Troublé said: "From the smiles on the faces of the sailors. Everyone is positive - I spent some time on the boat with Sir Keith Mills [Team Origin principal] - and they are all very pleased."
International and local media coverage had also been great, he said, with news material distributed daily to 950 television channels covering all continents, and including countries that did not have teams in the series.
Louis Vuitton Pacific Series trophy
Along with the pride, status, and bragging rights that goes with international yachting competition, the Louis Vuitton trophy is a fitting prize in itself.
Designed in Paris by Louis Vuitton’s design and innovation team - the same people who develop new materials for the latest luggage designs - the trophy is a piece of modern art worthy of a place in an art gallery or a yacht club’s cabinet.
The stunning trophy symbolises tall-sparred boats circling warily. Its blue silver top rests on an engraved crystal base representing the Southern Hemisphere. Weighing 12kg, it can tilt to any angle in the base of its custom-made Louis Vuitton carry case.
Best seat in town
During the regatta, the trophy has had one of the best seats in town - overlooking the racing on the Waitemata Harbour, on display in the Sky Deck of Auckland’s highest building, the Sky Tower.
The winner of the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series will take the trophy and its case with them. Depending on the outcome, it will either go to Switzerland, or stay in New Zealand - joining the original art deco Louis Vuitton Cup now residing in the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron at Auckland’s Westhaven Marina.
And if the event is staged again somewhere in the Pacific region, the trophy will be up for grabs once more.
The Louis Vuitton Pacific Series finishes on 14 February.
More information:
International yachting fever relaunches in New Zealand
Summer fun on the water
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