Nine syndicates challenge holders of America’s Cup

NINE syndicates from six countries will fight for the right to challenge the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the present holders of the America’s Cup, for the 31st edition of the sailing competition off Auckland.

The challengers will first compete in the Louis Vuitton Cup, on October 1, before the winner, the Challenger, meets the Defender in the best-of-nine America's Cup match.

The structure of the Louis Vuitton Cup has been greatly changed since the last race, largely in order to give the winning challenger enough time to get ready for the America’s Cup itself, which starts on February 15 2003.