Paris – The Louis Vuitton Pacific Series has doubled in size with the addition of two boats on loaned from BMW Oracle Racing team, permitting an entry of 12 teams in sailing competition. Only one racing slot remains.
“Thanks to the kind offer of BMW Oracle to lend two fully-equipped race boats we are able to expand the entry list to 12 boats,” said Louis Vuitton spokesman Bruno Troublé.
The two yachts, USA ‘87 and USA ‘89 will be shipped from Valencia, Spain, to Auckland, New Zealand, where the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series will take place from January 31 to February 14.
The American boats will join the Emirates Team New Zealand yachts NZL92 and NZL84 to provide two pairs of boats for match racing.
“We’ve had very strong interest for this friendly event,” said Yves Carcelle, President of Louis Vuitton. “Within a week of the announcement, 23 teams expressed interest—and eight teams registered and paid their fees while three more completed their entry forms.’’
The following teams have officially entered:
Emirates Team New Zealand
K Challenge (France)
Mascalzone Latino (Italy)
BMW Oracle Racing (USA)
China Team (China)
Team French Spirit (France)
Australia First (Australia)
Team Shosholoza (Republic of South Africa)
The Louis Vuitton Pacific Series is being held in association with the New Zealand Government, Emirates Team New Zealand, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS), Auckland City and Sky City Entertainment Group.