Racing postponed again

Racing postponed again - the Louis Vuitton Cup starts slowly

Valencia, 17 April, 2007 - The weather hasn't been kind to the sailors to this point at the Louis Vuitton Cup in Valencia. For the second consecutive day, the sunny skies weren't able to generate a strong enough sea breeze to enable racing. Both scheduled flights of racing were postponed until a later date.

If you're not trying to race America's Cup boats, the weather in Valencia this week has been beautiful with clear, sunny skies and temperatures just above 20 degrees. On Monday, a bank holiday in the city, over 51 000 spectators took advantage of the sunny, warm conditions to enjoy the atmosphere and take part in the activities in Port America's Cup.

But there hasn't been enough power in the spring sun to heat up the land to the point where it sucks in the air from over the race course area, generating the renowned Valencia sea breeze which offers consistent racing conditions.

On Tuesday, all of the race crews and their boats assembled on the two race course areas in preparation for the scheduled 14:15 race start. But at the appointed time, the Race Committee postponed the start on both courses. As on Monday, the teams, regatta organisers, and spectator boats held station until late afternoon in an effort to get racing underway. But the wind never registered above five knots and a start was impossible.

The first scheduled reserve day on Friday is now in play with Flights 1 and 2 scheduled. Flights 3 and 4 will take the next available racing slot which means Flight 3 would be the second flight of racing on Sunday, and Flight 4 on the second reserve day, next Monday.

Scheduled matches on Wednesday:

FLIGHT 5

Match

Team

1

China Team vs. Team Shosholoza

2

Emirates Team New Zealand vs. Desafío Español 2007

4

Victory Challenge vs. United Internet Team Germany

5

Luna Rossa Challenge vs. BMW ORACLE Racing

6

+39 Challenge vs. Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia Team

Bye - AREVA Challenge

FLIGHT 6

Match

Team

1

China Team vs. Desafío Español 2007

2

Team Shosholoza vs. Emirates Team New Zealand

4

AREVA Challenge vs. Luna Rossa Challenge

5

United Internet Team Germany vs. Mascalzone Latino - Capitalia Team

6

+39 Challenge vs. Victory Challenge

Bye - BMW ORACLE Racing

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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