New sailing trophy hoists sails in Nice

(AFP PHOTO / Brendon O'HAGAN)

A new sailing trophy has emerged as a potential rival to the Americas Cup, and starts this weekend, on Saturday, November 7, in the city of Nice. A huge TV screen is being set up in the port city to display the latest footage, and the official website LouisVuittonTrophy.com will offer various means of keeping up to date on the action as events unfold.

After ending its successful involvement in the Louis Vuitton Cup (a selection series for the Americas Cup) and putting on the Louis Vuitton Pacific Trophy, the luxury goods designer has now teamed up with the World Sailing Teams Association to put on this latest competition.

Nice has been welcoming top class sailing teams from around the world in preparation for the first stage of the trophy which is scheduled to last until Sunday, November 22.

Eight teams will contend with each other, representing France, Germany, New Zealand, Sweden, Russia, Great Britain, Italy and the USA between them. Crews are experienced, with many Olympic and Americas Cup winners among their number.

Each team will race against the others twice, before the inevitable elimination rounds prior to the grand finals on the weekend of November 21-22.

In order to facilitate a strong competitive spirit, each boat has undergone adjustments to ensure they are as closely matched as possible over the 15 days, so pressure remains on crew members to perform well rather than rely on superior equipment.