Louis Vuitton Series doubles after BMW Oracle help
by Jane Eagleson, BMW Oracle Racing; and Sail-World on 9 Oct 2008
BMW Oracle Racing’s USA-98, one of the two yachts being provided for the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series Valenciasailing.com
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The offer by BMW Oracle Racing to provide two further ACC V5 yachts has seen the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series double in size.
Four ACC yachts will now compete provided by Emirates Team New Zealand and BMW Oracle Racing. Both teams will be providing yachts that made the semi-finals of the 2007 Louis Vuitton Cup, and are state of the art boats. It is expected that they will retain their original livery and will be equalised.
Entries have now almost doubled to 11 teams with one position remaining on the new card of 12 positions.
No announcement has yet been made on the revised format of racing, however it is expected that there will now be two flights racing on the same course, rather than using separate courses on the Waitemata Harbour.
It is not announced as to whether the final will see Team NZ sailing their own yachts against a team sailing the BMW Oracle Racing yachts, or whether both ETNZ yachts will be used, as they should be more equalised.
Russell Coutts, BMW ORACLE Racing’s CEO/Skipper said today, 'BMW ORACLE Racing is delighted to be able to provide a pair of race yachts for the upcoming Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in Auckland, New Zealand.
'We’re glad to be able to fulfill Bruno Troublé’s request – made to several owners, including Mascalzone Latino – for two additional boats that will enable more teams and more sailors to compete.
'Given the widespread support for the race, we think the LV Pacific Series will be an ‘instant classic’ and an important new date on the sailing calendar.
'BMW ORACLE competed with these 2007-generation race yachts, USA-87 and USA-98, as part of their 32nd America’s Cup campaign, and we look forward to having these wonderful boats in action again, in a spectacular near-shore location. We know there is strong interest in the sailing world to see competitive match racing, and BMW ORACLE Racing is excited to be a participant.
'We thank event sponsor Louis Vuitton and Bruno Troublé, and Emirates Team New Zealand for their vision and support, and we look forward to seeing all of the great racing teams on the water early next year.'
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