New bigger and faster boats to be used in next cup

The Protocol for the 33rd America's Cup was revealed on Thursday afternoon, detailing the broad outlines of the next event. Among the highlights was the introduction of a new class of boat, to be 90 feet in length overall, sailed by a crew of around 20 sailors. The final design rule for the new class will be issued on or before 31 December 2007.

The Challenger of Record is the Club Náutico Español de Vela which has agreed on the Protocol for the 33rd America's Cup with the Defending Yacht Club, the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG).

The Protocol was announced at a press conference in Port America's Cup on Thursday at noon, by Michel Bonnefous, the CEO of the event organisers, Brad Butterworth, the skipper of the winning Alinghi team, and Hamish Ross, General Counsel of Alinghi.

The venue for the 33rd America's Cup has not been announced. But it was acknowledged that there is an existing relationship with Valencia and a host city agreement with the city is being pursued. The selection of Valencia, or an alternative European venue, will be made and announced on or before 31 December 2007.

"Today we have a natural relationship with Valencia and Spain, and obviously we are discussing extensively the renewal of Valencia as a venue, but we haven't reached an agreement so far. I imagine if we can reach an agreement with Valencia it will happen fairly soon, so we will be able to announce it quickly," said Michel Bonnefous, who also confirmed he would be stepping back his involvement in the next Cup, but not retiring. "If not, we start the process - for two or three months - to select another venue. We have a few cities already who have told us of their int erest in hosting the America's Cup."

The 33rd America's Cup will take place no earlier than 2009 and no later than 2011. It will consist of pre-regattas (potentially to be used as qualifying for the main event), along with the 'main event', comprising Trials, Challenger Selection, and the America's Cup Match. This schedule will be confirmed on or before 31 December 2007.

As with the 32nd America's Cup, the SNG has appointed ACM to manage, organise and finance the 33rd America's Cup.

ACM is also charged with appointing a Race Committee and Measurement Committee along with a Chief Umpire. ACM will establish a Competitors' Commission, with representation from the Defender and Challengers, which will hold regular meetings as a forum to exchange information.

Clearly, the biggest change will be the new class of boat, which Butterworth described as being something that will open the door to new teams, as all the teams in the next Cup, even existing ones, will start from the same level.

"Everybody seems to want a new boat that is bigger, more exciting and difficult to sail, and faster which is the emphasis behind it," Butterworth said. "We're trying to develop something more exciting. These boats have been fantastic but I think they have got to the end of their life and people are looking for something bigger and faster, harder to sail. The guys will have to be athletic; they will be tough boats to sail."

In the pre- regattas, teams will compete in the existing America's Cup Class boats. There will be at least 18 months between the publication of the new Class Rule and the first race in that class.

ACM will now work on fleshing out the details of the new Class Rule, selecting the venue, and publishing the Competition Regulations and Event Regulations.

Best Cup in living memory.

Just one more win and Alinghi can claim the cup for the second time. In the last six races the maximum winning victory has been just 35 seconds. The lead has changed times more than any other time in the events 156 year history and its generally recognised that the two boats have virtually the same level of performance, in all conditions seen so far.

Alinghi set up match point by win over New Zealand

Alinghi are only one win away from victory in the America's Cup. Today in light winds of 8-10 knots, they came from behind for the second time in two days to claim the race.

Alinghi two Team New Zealand two, its going to be a thriller

After four days of intense racing honours are even here in Valencia. Wednesday's racing was the first under "normal" conditions, where a stable wind of 9-11 knots enabled the two teams to take part in a fair test of technology and seamanship. Alinghi made the best start and were able to hold off Team New Zealand throught out the rest of the race. The interesting point came two minutes after the end of the match, when Principal Race Officer Peter Reggio called the two teams on his VHF radio and asked them to carry out a specific operation. They were asked to pull down their main sail, without having someone up the mast to assist. Team New Zealand did this without a fuss but there is some debate to what happened on Alinghi, it appeared that a man was sent up the mast to aid. An official protest was made by Team New Zealand and is being held as I write 13:00 Thursday. The international rules committee has wide ranging powers but it is not known when the results will be known.

Honours even after day two of racing

Alinghi convincingly won the first race in the America's Cup, surprisingly to most experts Team New Zealand took the second race to even the score. The winner of the Cup is the first team to win five victories. Here in Valencia there was are real buzz and sense of relief as New Zealand's victory has saved the interest in the America's Cup. Not since 1992 has a 5-0 result been avoided. Traditionally the Cup is a technology contest, with the best designed fastest boat always wins. This time although most expects believe that Alinghi is the fastest boat, its only slightly faster meaning that the slightest error can be capatilised on. The second race on sunday24th June, Alinghi took control early on and it looked like they were heading for a comfortable victory. Perhaps due to a lack of attention or overconfidence Alinghi left the door open allowing the skilful New Zealanders to pass and remain in front, finally crossing the finish line more than 100 metres ahead.
Racing resumes Tuesday 26th with light winds predicted which could play into the hands of TNZ

Alinghi name the helmsman and both teams ready for action

Alinghi announced on Friday 22 June that Ed Baird will be the helmsman for the races of the 32nd Americas Cup taking place in Valencia Spain. After years of testing and development the whole world will see if the latest Alinghi boat SUI 100 is as good as the rumours suggest. Racing starts Saturday 23rd June and the first team to record five victories gets to be the guardian of sportings oldest trophey. They will have the rights to decide the format, venue and timing, so billions of CHF's are at stake.

Americas Cup starts 23rd June

The 32nd America's Cup gets under way on Saturday 23rd June , just off the coast in Valencia, Spain. The Challenger, Emirates team New Zealand will take on the cup's Defender, Alinghi, which is representing La Société Nautique de Genève. There will be one race per day until the first team wins five races. They will be handed the America's Cup and will be able the timing and the choice of venue for their defence, Billions of CHF's will be at stake over the next few days so some tension is to be expected.

Emirates Team New Zealand win the Louis Vuitton Cup

Emirates Team New Zealand (TNZ) will take on Alinghi in the 32nd America's Cup which starts on the 23rd June in Valencia Spain. After beating Luna Rossa by a convincing five wins to Zero in the final of the Louis Vuitton Cup TNZ will have a chance to take their revenge against Alinghi the team that took the America's Cup from their hands in Aukland in March 2003. The winners of the America's get to chose the format and location of the 33rd Cup, so there is everything to play for.

New Zealand lead 4-0

Emirates Team New Zealand now lead by four races to nil against Luna Rossa from Italy in the best of nine final of the Louis Vuitton Cup. In light winds NZL 92 lead from the start and finished 54 seconds ahead. Just one more victory is now required for Emirates Team New Zealand to earn the right to take on Alinghi in the America's Cup.

New Zealand lead 3-0

Emirates Team New Zealand now lead by three races to nil against Luna Rossa in the first to five final of the Louis Vuitton Cup taking place in Valencia Spain. In virtually faultless racing the team lead by helmsman Dean Barker is gradually increasing its winning margin after each race. It now looks likely that the NZL 92 team will face Alinghi in the America's Cup. Monday is a rest day with the Loius Vuitton Cup final resuming Tuesday 5th June

Emirates Team New Zealand lead 2-0

Emirates Team New Zealand extended their lead to 2-0 in the final of the Louis Vuitton Cup, being held in Valencia Spain. In ideal conditions, 12-14 knot sea breeze, the New Zealander's managed the prefect race, controlling the start and not looking back, to record their second win in two days. The first team to win five races wins the Louis Vuitton Cup and will have the right to take on Alinghi in the America's Cup, which will start on the 23rd of June.

Everyone expects a close Final

Friday 1st June Emirates Team New Zealand will take on luna Rossa from Italy in the first race in the final of the Louis Vuitton Cup just of the coast of Valencia, which will decide the challenger who will take on Alinghi in the America's Cup starting 23rd June. Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa will be racing until one team wins five races. This is match racing where the two boats will race for about one and a half hours around fixed marks where they can test their skill and boat speed. The first race is due to start at 15h00 and sea breezes of 10-15 knots are expected.

Emirates Team New Zealand v Luna Rossa in the final

Emirates Team New Zealand claimed the fifth win against Desafio Espanol, so will meet Luna Rossa from Italy in the finals of the Louis Vuitton Cup which starts on the 1st june. This will be the best of nine races, with the winner of the final taking on Alinghi, the cup defender in the America's Cup which starts on the 23rd June.

Luna Rossa knock BMW Oracle racing out of the cup

Luna Rossa are the first team to book a place in the final of the Louis Vuitton Cup. After controlling all the race they beat the challengers from USA by 33 seconds and thus the series by five wins to one. In the other semi final Desafio Espanol kept their hopes alive by beating Emirates new Zealand, the series in now four wins to two in favour of the Kiwi's. Monday is a rest day, racing will contine Tuesday 22nd from 15h00.

Last chance for BMW Oracle and Desafio Espanol

Something really special is happening in Valencia. A general assumption has been that in Americas Cup sailing as in Formula One racing , the team with the biggest budget wins. But we could be in for a huge upset, as in the semi finals of the Louis Vuitton Cup, which is the run up to the Americas Cup, Luna Rossa is beating the mighty BMW Oracle Racing by 4 races to one in the best of nine competition. Just one more victory from the Italians and the San Francisco based team will be sent packing and for a team with an estimated CHF 200 million or virtually limitless budget this is not what is expected. In the other semi final Emirates Team New Zealand overcame Desafio Espanol and also lead by 4 races to 1. Racing continues Sunday 20th from 15h00

Spanish and Italian's shock the favourites

The Louis Vuitton Cup came alive on wednesday afternoon when Desafio Espanol convincingly beat Emirates Team New Zealand (TNZ), for the first time in 10 tries. The score is now two wins to one in favour of TNZ. In the other match, Luna Rossa beat BMW Oracle Racing, out manouvering the American's in the important pre-start, they now lead by two wins to one. The first team to achieve five wins makes it to the final.

BMW Oracle Racing shows its speed

In ideal racing conditions, a 10-14 knot breeze with sunshine, Emirates Team New Zealand confirmed their superiority over Desafio Espanol, after taking an early lead they were never troubled, although the Spanish showed good speed downwind, 40 seconds separated the two teams at the finish. In the second match of the day the BMW Oracle Racing Team came from behind in the last leg, outspeeding the Luna Rossa team who were helpless against superior speed, although they put up a brave fight. Emirates New Zealand lead Desafio Espanol by two wins to Zero. BMW Oracle Racing are equal with Luna Rossa with one win each. The first team to win five matches makes it through to the final of the Louis Vuitton Cup.

Italians impress their boss

Each America's Cup boat is crewed by 17 sailors and an 18th man, who sits at the back, wears a different colour and is not permitted to communicate with the rest of the crew during the race. Yesterday the best seat in town on the Luna Rossa boat was occupied by the boss of Prada, Patrizio Bertelli who perhaps gave the team that extra bit of desire to win. The Italians have already beaten a challenger from the USA before. In the Louis Vuitton Cup final in 2000 in Aukland they beat America One, but went on to lose five races to zero in the America's Cup, against Team New Zealand

Emirates New Zealand and Luna Rossa draw first blood

In very challening race conditions this afternoon in Valencia, with the wind changing directions several times, Emirates Team New Zealand (TNZ) proved too strong for Desafio Espanol winning by 43 seconds the first race of the semi finals. The form book supported a TNZ victory with them winning all their previous seven meetings over the last three years. In the other semi final Luna Rossa surprised some, by convincingly beating BMW Oracle Racing by 2 mins 19 seconds, although the Americans put in a strong final downwind beat it wasnt enough, here the form book is reversed, as in the last two years the BMW oracle racing has a five to one winning record. The teams will meet again tomorrow at 15h00.

Semi Finalists to keep the same boats

The rules state that each team must nominate the boat that they will use for the semi finals 24 hours before the semi final begins ( each of these teams posses two boats) All four teams will keep to the same tried and tested boats. Racing starts at 15h00 Monday 14th, with Emirates Team New Zealand v Desafio Espanol and then BMW Oracle Racing v Luna Rossa. To qualify for the final a team must win five races.The winner of the final will be named "The Challenger" and has the right to take on Alinghi, "The Defender" in the America's Cup which starts on the 23rd June.

Alinghi, watching, learning, but giving nothing away

With 41 days to go until Alinghi start the defence of the America's Cup how are preparations proceeding for the team. Earlier today I caught up with Alinghi general manager, Grant Simmer (who is competing in his 7th America's Cup) and asked him How are things going " Very well, our focus is now on racing as opposed to developing the boat, we spent a couple of years working on the design details on the boat, but now we are racing nearly every day here in Valencia, just getting ready for our race practice so we are ready to take on the challenger"
Are your boats SUI 91 and SUI 100 giving you the results you hoped for when designing them. " Yes, both boats are performing close to our predictions, but speed is not enough alone to win the races, so we have to get our racing techniques honed up to be ready for some tight racing in the match" When will you announce who will be at the helm for the cup defence. " 24 hours before the first race and both helmsmen Ed Baird and Peter Holmberg are performing very well at the moment" When will you announce which boat you will be racing. "24 hours before the racing starts on the 23rd June as required by the rules"

Semi final pairings decided

Not surprisingly Emirates Team New Zealand who topped the louis Vuitton Cup round robin series have chosen to compete in the best of 9 flight (race) semi finals against Desafio Espanol. The Spanish team are seen as the weakest team left in the competition. The other semi final will see BMW Oracle Racing against Luna Rossa. The semi finals start on the 14th May.

Emirates Team New Zealand win the Round Robins

With the round robins now finished, seven teams are on their way home as the dream of winning the America's Cup will now have to wait until next time. Earlier this afternoon in ideal racing conditions Emirates Team New Zealand beat BMW Oracle Racing by over a minute to take the top spot. They now get to choose their opposition in the semi finals which starts on the 14th May. The smart money will be on them picking Desafio Espanol, which will leave BMW Oracle Racing against Luna Rossa from Italy.

Important top spot in the semi decided this afternoon

We now know the four teams that will be competing in the Louis Vuitton Cup semi finals. This afternoon BMW Oracle Racing take on Emirates Team New Zealand, the winner will take the top place in the rankings and will get to choose their opponent in the semi finals. This is important as it is widely agreed that three teams are head and shoulders above the others, the other team being the Spanish entry Desafio Espanol who claimed the last semi final place. In all probability the team that wins today will choose Desafio Espanol in the semi final, the looser having to tackle the highly rated Luna Rossa team from Italy. The semi finals will be raced over the best of nine flights and will start on the 14th May

Spanish team grab the last semi final place

Spanish team Desafio Espanol are the 4th team to book their place in the semi finals of the Louis Vuitton Cup. A few minutes ago Victory challenge from Sweden was beaten by Emirates Team New Zealand, guaranteeing the Spanish Team a 4th place finish in the final rankings.

Who will take the last semi final place

Today the fourth place in the Louis Vuitton Cup could be decided. If Sweden's Victory Challenge lose or Spain's Desafio Espanol win then it will be the Spanish who advance to the semi finals. This afternoon Victory Challenge will take on the Emirates Team New Zealand (A team that they have never beaten) whilst Desafio Espanol will try and beat BMW Oracle Racing (the Spanish won in the 1st round robin) A reminder, two points are awarded for a win, nothing for second place, there are two races remaining and desafio Espanol lead by three points.

Victory Challenge keep their hopes alive

Today started with Sweden's Victory Challenge having to win their three remaining races and Spain's Desafio Espanol having to loose all theirs in order that Victory Challenge could take the 4th and last remining semi final place in the Louis Vuitton Cup. It can still happen, this afternoon in ideal racing conditions (sunshine and a 12 knot breeze), Victory Challenge beat Desafio Espanol by seven seconds in one of the closest races so far. Desafio Espanol still need to face BMW Oracle and Emirates Team New Zealand (the two strongest teams) in their last two races. The 4th place could well go down to the wire.

Last place in the semi finals still available

BMW Oracle Racing , Luna Rossa and Emirates Team New Zealand have all booked their places in the semi finals of the Louis Vuitton Cup which will start on the 14th may. It now looks very likely that the home team Desafio Espanol will claim the 4th place. With three flights remaining they are 5 points ahead of Victory Challenge from Sweden (2 points are awarded per race for a win, nothing for a loss) The Spanish team have come into a fine run of form winning six of their last seven flights.

Double racing today

After yesterdays thunderstorms the teams will be racing twice each today (weather permitting). There are some big races scheduled for this afternoon in the battle for the top slot (they get to choose their opposition in the semi finals of the Louis Vuitton Cup). BWW Oracle Racing take on Luna Rossa, both teams are currently sharing 1st position with 27 points. There are also some must win races in the battle to secure 4th place (gives a semi final place) Mascalsone Latino take on United Internet Team Germany whilst Victory challenge take on +39 Challenge.

Thunder storms stop the racing today

Racing was called off today as rain and thunder storms swept over the courses today. They aren't having much luck in Valencia, this is now the 8th day that has had to be cancelled of the Louis Vuitton Cup. Unless there is a miracle we now know the name of three teams that won't be making it to the semi finals. China Team, United Internet Team Germany and +39 Challenge will all be packing their bags at the end of the second round robin series that is due to finish by the 9th of May.

Pure boat speed makes the difference

Yesterday in light winds (8-10 knots) the BMW Oracle Racing Team twice came from behind to win close races. Firstly they showed they had an extra gear when beating South African challenger Shosholoza then outspeeding Victory Challenge from Sweden overtaking them on the last downwind beat. It looks like the hundreds of millions spent on design are paying off when it really matters. The fourth place battle will go down to the wire with Desafio Espanol holding off Victory challenge with Mascalzone Latino still in the running. The top four teams at the end of Round Robin 2 (decided on the 9th May) will go forward to the semi finals of the Louis Vuitton Cup.

Too much wind so racing cancelled

After losing six days due to a lack of wind (7 knots is necessary), yesterday was cancelled due to too much wind(23 knots maximum allowed) with gusts up to 35 knots more patience is required. The weather conditions are forcast to be more clement today and with only one flight (set of races) scheduled for each day of the round robin 2 there should enough time to catch up the lost races.

Spanish public behind their team

After another two wins Desafio Espanol are now in fourth position in the Louis Vuitton Cup league table(the top four teams at the end of this round will go into the semifinals) Some say that in order that the whole event is a success local support is a must, yesterday the Spanish teams performances made the front pages of their national newspapers, so we are on the right track. Yesterday the winds reached 14 knots which was too much for some of the boats, BMW Oracle had problems with their head sail coming off its attachments (this cost them the race against China Team) and +39 had all sorts of technical problems. But for the spectators this is what we have been waiting for, to see just what these 24 tonne 24 meter long racing machines with 17 super motivated crew are capable of. After two flights of Round Robin 2. BMW Oracle Racing and Luna Rossa share the lead with 23 points, followed by Emirates Team New Zealand with 20 points and Desafio Espanol with 19.

Bottom beats top, China Team record an historic win

China team who were the only team not to have won so far, put things right with a win this afternoon against the mighty BMW Oracle Team. With by far the biggest budget (+CHF200 million) this should not happen, but with sail problems added to a great start by the China Team it just shows that the no hopers can have hope.

Round Robin 2 is underway with record crowds

The day set aside for the teams to update their boats was cancelled due to the overunning of the 1st round, so it is straight back to action. With only one race per team per day scheduled, Round Robin 2 will give the race comittee the possibility to set longer race courses which will give the teams new challenges and possibilities to demonstrate their tactical abilities. This weekend has seen over 116'000 visitors to Port America's Cup and with the Spanish team Desafio Espanol doing well (they beat BMW oracle Racing on Saturday) things are looking good for the next two months racing.

Spanish team shock the favourites with a fantastic win

Desafio Espanol beat BMW Oracle Racing this afternoon to breath a breath of fresh air into an event that was starting to become predictable. We are now at the end of Round Robin 1 (all the challengers have raced against each other once) so what have we learn. No boat has enough speed to recover from bad sailing in these light winds. The big three, BMW Oracle Racing, Luna Rossa and Emirates Team New Zealand are topping the rankings as expected but the New Zealanders are not looking as good as their form in the Acts has shown, they have now been beaten three times. Further down the field (the battle for the 4th semi final place) could well go down to the wire with the home entry Desafio Espanol, Malscalzone Latino and Victory challenge all recording impressive wins. The South African Shosholoza team still believe in themselves but they will need to come into form very soon to climb up the rankings ladder.

Round robin 1 standings and points(after 11 flights)
BMW Oracle Racing 21
Luna Rossa Challenge 19
Emirates Team New Zealand 18
Desafío Español 2007 17
Mascalzone Latino - Capitalia Team 14
Victory Challenge 14
Team Shosholoza 12
Areva Challenge 9
+39 Challenge 6
United Internet Team Germany 3
China Team 1

Coffee break Info

Did you know that.
The boats each weigh 24 tonnes, with 95% of this weight being in the bulb (a lump of lead about 7m long fixed below the boat by a 3m long keel fin).

Luna Rossa beats Emirates Team New Zealand

This was a big test for Luna Rossa and Emirates Team New Zealand as both teams are both seen as possible Louis Vuitton Cup winners. In the best racing conditions so far (10 knot winds)the Italian team came out on top. After forcing the New Zealanders into a penalty in the prestart area, they managed to control the race winning by 48 seconds. BMW Oracle Racing a still looking very strong, being the only unbeaten team after 9 flights (sets of races). The local Desafio Espanol team are moving up the rankings after a further two wins. With the ex-world match racing champion Karol Jablonski doing an excellent job at the helm.

The favourites are taking command

Over the last three flights (races) BMW Oracle Racing as well as Emirates Team New Zealand have being showing their class each recording a string of wins. At the other end of the rankings The China Team are having problems, a cracking noise was heard and it looks like there is a problem where the keel connects to the bow, there are enormous forces involved when the boats are in action, so fingers crossed that its not too serious and we will soon see them back on the water.

Coffee break info

In Auckland 2000, 32 % of the Louis Vuitton Cup days were lost due to the unsuitable weather conditions. In Auckland 2003 this figure increased to 40 %

Four of the last six winners of the Louis Vuitton Cup have gone on to win the America's Cup

Lack of Wind very frustrating

A week into the Louis Vuitton Cup and we have only had 3 flights so far out of the 10 planned, Friday saw the first racing and the first surprise when Mascalzone Latino beat Emirates New Zealand. China Team proposed that racing could take place in lighter winds but the commision rejected this as it was felt the 7-23 Knt range would offer the fairest racing conditions. Since then nothing much of excitement has happened, we saw Shosholoza briefly lead against BMW Oracle Racing before logic prevailed then Arva Challenge from France beat Spanish boat Desafaio Espanol after the latter experienced some technical problems. Most of the gossip is about the possibility of having a keel that will swing about, helping stability and speed. The rules state that there can be no mechanical help to move the keel but the debate is open on if the natural forces of the water can be allowed to move it or not. The rest day has been cancelled which will irritate the teams as this was to give them a window where they could change and add bits to their boats, they will now only have 9 hours to make changes which will be risky.

America's Cup, become an expert in a few minutes

The 32 nd America’s Cup
What is the event:
A set of races (First to win 5 races wins the cup) between Swiss yacht Alinghi(The Defender) and a similar sailing yacht. (The Challenger,to be decided, it will be against the winner of the Louis Vuitton Challenge Cup). The races are over about 20kms and each race will take about 90 minutes.The races take place in the sea just off the coast at Valencia in Spain.

Four of the past six winners of the Louis Vuitton Cup have gone onto beat the Defender to claim the Cup
Where is the Cup taking place:
In the Mediterranean Sea just off the Spanish Coast (Valencia)

When:
From the 23rd June 2007 to early July (Louis Vuitton Cup from 16th Apr-12th June)

Racing:
The winner will be the 1st boat to win 5 races (best of 9 races) Each race will last about 90 minutes. Aprox 18 Nautical miles. The races will be over a number of days, usually 1 race per day,

Why Valencia:
“Alinghi” Swiss boat representing La Société Nautique of Geneva,(The Defender ) who won the Cup in 2003 had the right to decide when and where they would Defend the Cup.
What’s happening next (16-23 April ) Louis Vuitton Cup Round Robins. Each of the 11 challengers will competer against each other in a match race.

Where are the 11 challenging teams from?
3 From Italy,
1 From USA,
1 From NZ
1 From Spain
1 From France
1 From Sweden
1 From South Africa
1 From Germany
1 From China

3 countries are competing for the 1st time
South Africa- Shosholoza
Germany- United Internet team Germany
China- Team China

Louis Vuitton Cup - Boats used
Several Teams will be using their second baots in the Round Robins fro 16th April
Desafaio Espanol
Emirates Team New Zealand
BMW Oracle Racing
Mascalzone Latino Capitale

Boats
· Each of the boats are in principal privately funded.
· The budgets range from CHF 20- 200 million per team for the project.
· All yachts had to be constructed in their home country
· The sailors can be from any Nationality
· There has been no transfer market of sailors between teams (against the rules)
· There are strict rules governing the dimensions of the yachts, very similar principal to F1 Motor racing.
· The Yachts make up the “American Cup Class”. Dimensions decided in 1992 and we now have the 5th revision.
· Rough dimension
1. 24 m long-
2. Mast 32 m high,
3. Weight 24 Tonnes
4. Crew 17
5. Only powered by wind (sails) and human power (winches to hoist the sails)

Sails.
· Main sail 215 m sqr
· Genoa sail 170 m sqr
· Spinnaker 520 m sqr

General Stuff
1. The worlds oldest sailing trophy called the “Auld Mug”
2. First competed for in 1851 when the schooner “America” which had sailed over from New York especially, beat 14 of the finest British yachts in a race around the island of Cowes (which is just off the South coast of England),
3. Over the last 150 years many of the world’s most wealthy business men have been battling for “The Auld Mug” A silver plated trophy built by Garrards the Jewlers in London.
4. Since then 23 captains have won the Cup.
5. With Alinghi winning the Cup in Aukland in March 2003 (this was the first time the Americas cup came to Europe in 152 years) they had the right to decide where and when this would happen
6. 12 Teams – 11 Challengers plus the Defender (Alinghi) will be competing for the Cup
7. Anyone who fulfilled the entry criteria could enter a yacht. ie stacks of cash and a commitment to race an accredited yacht in the Louis Vuitton cup during the build up in 2004,2005,and 2006.

Challengers
The challengers can be roughly grouped into 3 levels.
Top teams who have a good chance of winning the Cup, Huge budgets,top crews and very experienced teams
1. Emirates team New Zealand (Top of the rankings in the Louis Vuitton Cup )
2. BMW Oracle Team (backed by Oracle’s Larry Ellison)
3. Luna Rossa Team (backed by Prada)

Middle Teams
Lacking the extra millions for research and top salaries to win.
· Desafio Espanol (Spain)
· Mascalzone Latino (Italy)
· Victory Challenge (Sweden)
· +39 Challenge (Italy)
· Areva Challenge (France)
. Shosholoza (South Africa)

Lower Teams
Lacking the experience and funds to make a serious challenge
· United Internet Team Germany
· China Team

Teams comprise 3 expert groups-
1. The Sailing Team,
2. The Design Team
3. The Construction Team.
Racing
The type of racing is called “Match racing”- 2 yachts sail against each other.

Match racing has three key segments,
· The pre-start – the five minute countdown to the start gun,
· The first leg – the section from the start gun to rounding the first mark about one sixth of the way into the course,
· The rest – from rounding the first mark of the course to crossing the finish line, the remaining five sixths of the distance.

The race
The 2 boats approach the starting line at maximum speed with the view of crossing it immediately after the start gun sounds. A false start results in an immediate penalty (the boat must makes a 270 degree turn) They then race to a windward mark about 4km away, this is rounded on the starboard side, the spinnakers are then hoisted as the boats race downwind back down to the start line completing a lap of the course. A second lap is then completed the winner crossing the start/finish line. The race distance varies depending on the weather conditions but is about 30kms and will take about 90 minutes to complete
Americas Cup Timings 2007

April 16-19, 21/22 Louis Vuitton Cup Round 1
Match racing of the challenging teams

Teams take forward bonus points that they earned from the Acts .
4pts- Emirates team New Zealand
3 pts BMW Oracle,Luna Rossa, Desafio Espanol
2 pts +39, Shosholoza, Victory Challenge,Mascalzone Latino,
1pt Areva,United Internet team Germany, China Team
All teams race against each other , the winning team gains 2 points

April 25-29th Louis Vuitton Cup Round 2
Match racing of the challenging teams

May 1-6 Louis Vuitton Cup Round 3
Match racing of the challenging teams
The top 4 teams from the Round Robins will go forward to the semi-finals.
The top team has the right to choose their opposition in the semis

May 18-20 Louis Vuitton Cup Semi Finals
Match racing of the challenging teams

May 22-24 Louis Vuitton Cup Semi Finals
Match racing of the challenging teams

June 1-3 Louis Vuitton Cup Final
Match racing of the challenging teams

June 5-6 Louis Vuitton Cup Final
Match racing of the challenging teams

June 23-24 Americas Cup
June 26-27 Americas Cup
June 29-30 Americas Cup
July 1 Americas Cup
July 3-4 Americas Cup