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Racing Begins Again March 9, More Announcements Possible December 17, 2009 (Press Release) |
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Each Louis Vuitton Trophy regatta is a stand-alone regatta sailed in event-supplied 85-foot long AC Class yachts that require a crew of 17 top sailors to sail. The regatta concept is designed to transform a port venue, regardless of its previous sailing culture, into the capital of professional yacht racing for two weeks, along with all the associated activities and excitement, on and off the water. The concept of the Louis Vuitton Trophy regattas was inspired by the acclaimed Louis Vuitton Pacific Series raced in Auckland, NZ, last February. The schedule for the next events covers four distinctly different parts of the world: Louis Vuitton Trophy Auckland: 9 - 21 March 2010 Louis Vuitton Trophy La Maddalena, Sardinia: 22 May - 6 June 2010 Louis Vuitton Trophy Middle East: 13 - 28 November 2010 Louis Vuitton Trophy Hong Kong: 9 - 24 January 2011 (To be Confirmed) * The venue in The Middle East is embargoed until January 15th 2010 Newly-elected WSTA board Chairman Paul Cayard commented: "The Louis Vuitton Trophy is gaining momentum following the great regattas held in Auckland and Nice in 2009 and I really believe 2010 is going to be an even better year for our teams, their crews and supporters." Apart from being a cost-effective way for teams to match race impressively large yachts close to crowds, the Louis Vuitton Trophy regattas also represent one of the most interesting media/marketing opportunities in yacht racing today. The innovative low-cost solution to live TV and tracking coupled with live expert commentary from on board the yachts pioneered in Nice last November, allows spectators, hospitality guests and sailing fans around the world to watch live races in a hybrid virtual and real video show on internet ( louisvuittontrophy.com ). The use of AC Class yachts from the last two Americas Cups now scattered about the world allows the existing boats to be shared regionally without the necessity to constantly ship equipment back and forth; only the crew’s travel, making for cost-effective and easily organized events. The Louis Vuitton Trophy Auckland will again bring some of the best racing teams back to Kiwiland. Emirates Team New Zealand managing director Grant Dalton said the team welcomed Louis Vuitton’s return to Auckland: "Last February we tested the concept. Its success far exceeded everyone’s expectations. The Louis Vuitton Trophy has emerged from that experiment as a viable, top-level regatta. It’s good for the teams, it’s good for the sport, it’s good for host cities and we’ve given the fans something to watch." The caliber of teams competing is second to none. Most sailors are either world champions, Olympic medalists, round-the-world sailors, or past Americas Cup players. All teams competing at the Nice regatta came with either Americas Cup experience or future ambitions. Emirates Team New Zealand has been both Challenger and Defender in the past, BMW Oracle Racing (USA) is the current Challenger of Record, while other teams such as Azzurra (Italy), TeamOrigin (Great Britain), Mascalzone Latino (Italy), Synergy (Russia), All4One (France/Germany), Aleph Sailing Team previously known as Team French Spirit (France), Artemis (Sweden) all have future plans. The Louis Vuitton Trophy regattas provide an opportunity to compete at the highest level using similar yachts, with only the crews sailing ability as the deciding factor. The cost to teams is also a fraction of an Americas Cup or an offshore campaign budget, something that has already attracted several new teams to taste the waters at this level of competition. Yves Carcelle, Chairman
and CEO of Louis Vuitton, is pleased to be associated with the event: "Nice
a few weeks ago again proved the viability of the concept, which reflects
current concerns: easy, friendly, accessible and environmentally
responsible. It is a great way to bring the best teams back on the water." About Louis Vuitton The world leader in luxury, Louis Vuitton has been synonymous with the art of stylish travel since 1854. Since 1987, it has been part of LVMH/Moët-Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, the world’s most prestigious luxury goods group headed by Bernard Arnault. Since 1997, with the arrival of the designer Marc Jacobs, it has extended its expertise to women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, shoes, watches and jewelry, glasses, combining traditional craftsmanship with flair and innovation to create a complete lifestyle experience. Today, Louis Vuitton has an exclusive network of stores all across the world. About WSTA World Sailing Teams
Association (WSTA) was founded in 2009 by a group of professional yacht
racing teams to develop a regular series of high-level competitive racing
events. The WSTA is jointly owned by its preferred shareholders and
represents the interests of the teams for fair and highly-competitive
racing. The WSTA, in conjunction with title partner Louis Vuitton,
co-organizes the Louis Vuitton Trophy. Links of Interest: Louis Vuitton Trophy: Louis Vuitton Pacific Series (LVPS):
Visit the Official LVPS Web Site |
