Two yachts from BMW Oracle Racing have arrived in Auckland for the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series.
12 teams were initially confirmed for the series however this has been reduced to 11 teams and may settle at 10 teams for the event, unless new entries are accepted.
A total of 23 teams expressed interest within days of the event being announced.
The huge entry required the acquisition of more America's Cup class yachts to accommodate an entry that was doubled from the original six teams.
BMW Oracle Racing generously offered the use of their two America's Cup yachts from the 2007 Louis Vuitton Cup and these have now arrived in Auckland.
Currently they are located at the Viaduct Basin which will form the venue for the Series, where the yachts are being recommissioned and equalised.
The yachts have to be ready for training and practice to begin on 24 January 2009,
Series hosts Emirates Team New Zealand are also providing two yachts from the 2007 Louis Vuitton Cup, NZL-84 and NZL-92 which are also being equalised and will be repainted in the Louis Vuitton livery for the regatta.
BMW Oracle Racing in Auckland with the Sky City’s Skytower in the background. Sky City will be the home for all the crews during their stay in Auckland. - Richard Gladwell
BMW Oracle Racing in shed in Auckland prior to repainting the supplied boats will be able to be identified by the bow logos - Richard Gladwell
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by Richard Gladwell, Sail-World
4:28 AM Thu 11 Dec 2008 GMT
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