Racing delayed again at the Louis Vuitton Cup

Racing delayed again at the Louis Vuitton Cup

Valencia, 19 April, 2007 - Conditions proved unsuitable for racing again at the Louis Vuitton Cup in Valencia. Four full days of racing have now had to be postponed due to the wind never having been strong and stable enough to start a match.

On Thursday, there were moments in the afternoon when it appeared as if the wind gods would smile on the competitors and provide enough of a sea breeze for racing. But conditions were never stable across the race areas for a long enough time to start a race. In fact, measurements from the race course areas rarely showed the wind breaking through the 7 knot barrier.

For teams, fans and race organisers alike, it has been a frustrating week: "As event organisers, we are obviously very disappointed with the current situation," acknowledged Michel Bonnefous, the CEO of the organising authority for the 32nd America's Cup. "Four days of racing have been lost due to the unusual weather circumstances across Southern Europe. A situation like this couldn't be anticipated. None of the historical weather data recorded for this period of the year in Valencia showed the possibility of four consecutive non-sailable days. In fact, for the eight Louis Vuitton Acts that took place here only two full days of racing were lost.

"This situation clearly affects the running order of the competition and we are currently in discussion with the Regatta Director and the Challenger Commission to determine what, if anything, should be done as far as the racing schedule for the next few days is concerned."

Despite the frustration at not having suitable conditions, the competitors supported the decision not to race: "The Race Committee did the right thing," said BMW ORACLE Racing strategist Eric Doyle. "We would rather have no racing than bad racing. Everybody understands that this sort of thing happens."

Flights 1 to 8 of Round Robin One have now all been pushed onto reserve days or deeper into the schedule. On Friday, the first reserve day of Round Robin One, Flights 1 and 2, which were lost on Monday, are scheduled to be raced.

Louis Vuitton Cup - Matches scheduled for Friday

FLIGHT 1

Match

Team

1

Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team vs. Emirates Team New Zealand

2

+39 Challenge vs. AREVA Challenge

4

United Internet Team Germany vs. BMW ORACLE Racing

5

Team Shosholoza vs. Victory Challenge

6

China Team vs. Luna Rossa Challenge

Bye - Desafío Español 2007

FLIGHT 2

Match

Team

1

Desafío Español 2007 vs. +39 Challenge

2

Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team vs. AREVA Challenge

3

United Internet Team Germany vs. Team Shosholoza

4

China Team vs. BMW ORACLE Racing

5

Victory Challenge vs. Luna Rossa Challenge

Bye - Emirates Team New Zealand

Louis Vuitton Cup - Round Robin One - Provisional Leaderboard

Position

Team

Bonus Points

Matches Sailed

Matches Won

Total Points

1

Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL 92)

4

0

4

2

BMW ORACLE Racing (USA 98)

3

0

3

2

Luna Rossa Challenge (ITA 94)

3

0

3

2

Desafío Español 2007 (ESP 97)

3

0

3

5

Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia (ITA 99)

2

0

2

5

Victory Challenge (SWE 96)

2

0

2

5

Team Shosholoza (RSA 83)

2

0

2

5

+39 Challenge (ITA 85)

2

0

2

9

Areva Challenge (FRA 93)

1

0

1

9

United Internet Team Germany (GER 89)

1

0

1

9

China Team (CHN 95)

1

0

1

______________

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Since 1851, the America's Cup has transcended the sport of sailing to become a symbol of the pursuit of excellence. Offical partners LOUIS VUITTON, ENDESA, SANTANDER, ALCATEL - LUCENT 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, Coca-Cola and Vodafone.

Racing for the 32nd America's Cup began with a series of Louis Vuitton Acts in 2004, 2005 and 2006 across Europe. It will end in 2007. Valencia Louis Vuitton Act 13 - Fleet Racing - (April 3 to 7) preceded the Louis Vuitton Cup challenger selection series (April 16 - June 12). The winner will race the Defender, Alinghi, in the 32nd America's Cup Match beginning June 23, 2007.

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