Louis Vuitton Cup and America's Cup season opens in Auckland

by Louis Vuittion Cup media centre on 28 Sep 2002 The nine Louis Vuitton Cup syndicates from six nations and defender Team New Zealand ushered in the America's Cup 2003
season today with a parade and opening ceremony in Auckland, New Zealand.

While the turn-of-the-century Louis Vuitton Cup was considered the best ever by many, this one is promising to be even
better.

'The scene is drastically different to last time,' said Oracle BMW Racing helmsman Peter Holmberg, who previously sailed
with Team Dennis Conner. 'I think it's due to New Zealand putting on such a fantastic show last time. Everyone who had a
taste said, 'Wow, what a fantastic thing.' Give credit to the Kiwis for pulling off such a good event.'

The America's Cup and Louis Vuitton Cup led the parade that included dancers, cheerleaders and even an Austin Powers
impersonator. An estimated 30,000 people lined Queen St, Auckland's main thoroughfare. Team New Zealand syndicate head Tom
Schnackenberg proclaimed the crowd much larger than in 1999.

The opening ceremonies on Te Wero Island, in the middle of the America's Cup Harbour, began with a Haka Powhiri, a
traditional Maori welcoming. Speeches followed from Auckland's Mayor, John Banks, and New Zealand's Prime Minister, the Rt.
Honourable Helen Clark.

The festive atmosphere also had a sombre overtone. Conspicuously missed from the proceedings was late Sir Peter Blake, the
former head of Team New Zealand and one of the country's most beloved figures.

Sir Peter became legendary in ocean-racing circles for sailing more than a half million miles around the globe and winning
the Whitbread Round the World Race (crewed, multi-leg) as well as the Trophée Jules Verne (fastest crewed, non-stop).

Although he established his reputation in marathon offshore events, he was knighted for leading Team New Zealand to victory
in America's Cup 1995. In 2000, Sir Peter led New Zealand's successful defence of the America's Cup, the first-ever outside
of the U.S.

Tragically, Sir Peter was shot and killed aboard his yacht Seamaster last December while on an environmental expedition to
the Amazon River. He was instrumental in the modern development of the Viaduct Harbour and his legacy was there for all to
see.

Sir Edmund Hillary, who was knighted for being the first to summit Mount Everest with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953,
introduced a five-minute video in memory of the slain hero that brought chills to spines, tears to gazing eyes and elicited
a standing ovation.

The opening ceremonies featured a strong cultural emphasis to New Zealand's history. The first Maori navigators arrived
more than 1,000 years ago and Sir Hugh Kawharu welcomed everyone on behalf of the host tribe of Auckland.

'On behalf of the Maoris of this city, we offer you a warm and sincere welcome,' said Sir Hugh, chief of the Ngati Whatau
tribe. 'In the days and weeks ahead we look forward to becoming better acquainted.'

America's Cup 2003 Louis Vuitton Cup Media Centre director Bruno Troublé introduced five representatives from all 10 teams
and they were accompanied by a two-minute video.

Performers at the 90-minute ceremony included singers Annie Crummer, Dave Dobbyn, Jackie Clarke, Phil Madsen and Hinewehi
Mohi, all internationally acclaimed vocalists and instrumentalists. The Auckland Pacific Gospel Choir, the Royal New
Zealand Navy Band and the Pacific Log Drummers also performed.

The ceremony came to a conclusion when Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright, the crown's official representative,
proclaimed, 'Let the competition begin.' Brief fireworks followed, with more song and dance.

The draw for the pairings of the first Round Robin will take place on Monday 30th September.
Racing for the Louis Vuitton Cup gets underway at 1215 New Zealand Time on Tuesday 1st October.