K-Challenge, first team to express interest in the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series

[Source: K-Challenge] The « Louis Vuitton Pacific Series » will be held in 2009 by Louis Vuitton in association with the New Zealand Government, from February 1 - 14, which is less than five months from now. The competition will gather teams which already took part to the Louis Vuitton Cup in the past.

This new event comes with a perfect timing, as K-Challenge will introduce its 2009 sailing programme next October 13 in Paris. The Louis Vuitton Pacific Series will be the perfect event to add to the team’s preparation towards the next America’s Cup.

This friendly competition will allow to a maximum of eight teams to compete in duels with the Emirates Team New Zealand’s boats from the 32nd America’s Cup. Some configuration changes will be made on both boats to ensure even racing, and so that the teams get equal chances. There will be a drawing before each race, just as in a classical match racing competition.

Stephane Kandler, K-Challenge’s CEO: “The fact that this event is organized by Louis Vuitton, an America’s Cup’s historical sponsor, is great news for all the sports community. It is the perfect opportunity to have a positive impact for the future of the oldest sports trophy in the world, and K-Challenge is more determined than ever to bring it back with a new generation who already represented France in the last edition.

Our team never stopped to prepare itself by getting sports results which proved the quality and the relevance of the choices that were made so far. K-Challenge will introduce new partners and the details of an innovative and ambitious sailing programme on October 13, in which this new event will fit perfectly.”