Virtual Spectator gets NZers closer to the action

Virtual Spectator and XtraMSN take New Zealanders closer to the Louis Vuitton Cup and America's Cup action

Live Louis Vuitton Cup Challenge and America's Cup 2003 racing will now be available on the Team New Zealand website, thanks to a partnership between 3D sports animation company Virtual Spectator and XtraMSN.

Through the Virtual Spectator-XtraMSN relationship, sailing enthusiasts will be able to watch an animated version of the Louis Vuitton Cup Challenge races and the America's Cup 2003 racing live and in 3D, simply by downloading buying Virtual Spectator and downloading the software from http://www.teamnewzealand.com

The official Team New Zealand website, hosted and maintained by XtraMSN, will also host Round the Mark, Virtual Spectator's free online sailing game.

Virtual Spectator CEO Greg Young says the 100% New Zealand owned company is delighted to be working with XtraMSN to deliver its Louis Vuitton Cup and America's Cup premium 3D Internet race viewer. "By teaming with XtraMSN, we are making the America's Cup Regatta racing accessible to all sailing enthusiasts through the website. Both companies support innovation and are passionate about making the America's Cup Regatta action available."

The Internet is a powerful medium that allows supporters to get involved with Team New Zealand via content and tools on the Official Site: www.teamnewzealand.com. "By downloading Virtual Spectator 3D viewer, supporters can watch competing Louis Vuitton Syndicates as they vie for the position to challenge Team New Zealand in the America's Cup in 2003." says Sarah Matheson, Media Sales and Development Manager.

XtraMSN's Sarah Matheson says, "XtraMSN and Virtual Spectator are committed to helping New Zealanders get the most from their time online. With Virtual Spectator, subscribers can watch all races live, access up-to-date weather information, get on-demand replays of all races and view race tactics and rules and develop an understanding of the dynamics of Louis Vuitton and America's Cup racing."

The animated graphics provided by Virtual Spectator have been significantly enhanced for the current Louis Vuitton Cup and America's Cup regattas. Viewers now have the ability to choose how they watch the animated version of the races including upwind, downwind, from the top of a mast, from a helicopter or from the helm. "Viewers can also enjoy more realistic and detailed views of the racing boats and a full 3D animation of the Hauraki Gulf showing each day's weather conditions in real time, " says Mr Young.

Virtual Spectator is available from http://www.xtramsn.co.nz/teamnewzealand for $49.95 and takes about 30-40 minutes to download.

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