Auckland ready for start of Louis Vuitton Trophy

by Emirates Team NZ and WSTA on 8 Mar 2010
Teams competing in the Louis Vuitton Trophy Auckland regatta have assembled in Auckland to prepare for the start of racing on Tuesday, March 9.

Sunday was the first practice day and each team spent two hours sailing Cup boats NZL92 and NZL84. The two Emirates Team New Zealand yachts have been re-commissioned for the regatta.

Shore crews have worked for two months restoring the yachts to racing condition.

Keels, bulbs and rudders have been reattached; electric, electronic, hydraulic systems and deck gear have been reinstalled.

One yacht owned by BMW Oracle Racing has been re-commissioned as a 'spare' in case either NZL92 or 84 is damaged and cannot race.

The Emirates Team New Zealand crew were sailing too, first on the TP52 which they will race on the Audi Medup circuit this year and then on the familiar team America's Cup boat.

Teams will be on the water again on Monday before attending the regatta opening and skippers’ press conference.

The regatta village has opened at the Viaduct Basin’s Market Square.

Each day after racing, one of the yachts will moor at the village dock and will remain at the village overnight. It will be towed to the team base about 7am to be prepared for the day’s racing.

In the village, a jumbo video daylight screen will display live TV and 3-D Virtual Eye tracking from the race course, along with the expert commentary.

Each day the village will provide entertainment for the public – and of course the Viaduct's renowned cafes, restaurants and will be open for business.

About 45 minutes after racing finishes each day, the public can take part in the evening press conference which will also be shown on the big screen.

The public will also have an opportunity to mix and meet with many of the world’s best sailors and get their autographs.

LIVE Sport Sailing 103.0 FM will feature all-day live coverage from on the water. On television, during the seven days of the round robin, TVNZ will carry nightly reports on its sports news. From March 16, during the elimination rounds, TVNZ will feature nightly half-hour reports. For the finals on 20th and 21st March there will be live coverage of the racing from noon to 4:00pm.

Follow the racing live on www.sail-world.com or the official website www.louisvuittontrophy.com