Final stages of Valencia Louis Vuitton Act 12

America's Cup Broadband TV to cover final stages of Valencia Louis Vuitton Act 12

Valencia, 30 June, 2006 - The grand finale of the 2006 America's Cup racing season, the semi-finals and finals of Valencia Louis Vuitton Act 12, will be available live on America's Cup Broadband TV to subscribers around the world.

Since racing started in May this year, America's Cup Broadband TV has offered a range of video content over the internet to sailing fans worldwide, including daily highlights (26-minute daily videos of key action from the racing), and America's Cup stories (26-minute video features taking you behind the scenes), complementing the America's Cup television coverage provided by rights-holders.

Now, for the semi-finals and finals of Louis Vuitton Act 12, live television images from the race course will be available on the Broadband TV connection to subscribers in those countries that don't have a TV station holding the rights to broadcast the event, giving all Cup fans around the world an opportunity to see the racing in Valencia live, as it happens.

Fans in territories with TV rights agreements can watch the highlights after a 72-hour embargo period. Live coverage is not available in those territories. Access is via a 'day pass' or 'season ticket', through www.americascup.com.

America's Cup Broadband TV is one of two innovative services developed by Alcatel for the 32nd America's Cup. Along with Live Sailing, the award-winning animation service for mobile phones and internet, America's Cup Broadband TV is part of an effort to make the Cup more accessible to racing fans around the world.

The conclusion of Louis Vuitton Act 12 is an exciting new addition to the Acts format. The teams have already sailed a complete round robin and have now been divided into three divisions, where they'll battle in head to head semi-final and final match-ups to determine ultimate positions on the leaderboard.

Racing in this final stage of the event is scheduled to take place over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the first match of each day scheduled to start at 14:10 on the waters off Valencia, Spain.
______________

Note to editors:

Since 1851, the America's Cup has transcended the sport of sailing to become a symbol of the pursuit of excellence. The official partners LOUIS VUITTON, ENDESA, SANTANDER, ALCATEL and the America's Cup share a heritage rich in passion, innovation and extraordinary achievement. The 32nd America's Cup enjoys the support of Nespresso, Adecco, Ford, El Corte Inglés, Estrella Damm, Grupo Leche Pascual and Coca-Cola.

Racing for the 32nd America's Cup - Valencia began with a series of Louis Vuitton Acts in 2004 and 2005. The competition continues in 2006, with three more Louis Vuitton Acts in Valencia, the Host City of the 32nd America's Cup.

Current event: Valencia Louis Vuitton Act 12 - Match Racing - 22 June to 3 July 2006.

In 2007, a fleet race event - Louis Vuitton Act 13 - will precede the Louis Vuitton Cup, the winner of which will race the Defender, Team Alinghi, in the America's Cup Match in Valencia.

© Scoop Media