Two Italian teams will be competing in the new Louis Vuitton Pacific Series (LVPS) which kicks off on Friday in New Zealand using America's Cup class sailboats.
The series was organised to mark the 25th anniversary of the French fashion house's foray into the world of sailing at its highest level: the America's Cup.
Up until July 2007 it was the Louis Vuitton Cup (LVC) which designated the official challenger for sailing's most prestigious trophy.
Taking part in the new series, which ends February 15, will be America's Cup veteran and 2000 LVC winner Luna Rossa together with newcomer Damiani Italia.
A total of ten teams will be taking part in the LVPS, divided into two groups of five, and one-on-one match races will be staged rotating the same boats, two provided by hosts and 2007 LVC winner Emirates Team New Zealand and two on loan from the American BMW Oracle racing Team.
The other crews taking part include America's Cup Defender Alinghi of Switzerland, France's K-Challenge. Shosholoza from South Africa, Britain's Team Origin, China Team and Greek Challenge.
Although the playing field has been leveled by using the same boats, in order to reduce costs and highlight the skills of the crew over technological advantages, each team will have their own spinnaker made using the colors of their respective national flags.
Skippers and their teams will officially be presented on Thursday at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Club.
The series will have a round robin format with four races a day and one team from each group resting.
The LVPS is designed to keep up interest in big boat sailing until a new America's Cup can be staged, once legal disputes over the format have been resolved.
The next official America's Cup is not expected until 2010.
