The Opening Ceremony for the Louis Vuitton Trophy, held at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron last night, officially started the regatta with a draw for tomorrow's races.

For the first race Mascalzone Latino Audi Team will face the French-German team of All4One, skippered by "Maestro" Jochen Schuemann.  As a result of the draw, the Italian boat will enter the start box from port, the less favoured side because it does not have right of way.  But Gavin Brady is not the kind of skipper to be easily intimidated, especially on his home turf.  If the wind cooperates with the race committee's plans, Mascalzone Latino will race  at 10:00 on the 9th March, which in Italy corresponds to 22:00 on the 8th March. 

As a side to the Opening Ceremony, Mascalzone Latino CEO acting on behalf of President Claudio Gorelli, of Club Nautico di Roma, the Challenger of Record for the 34th America's Cup,  presented the club's burgee to Scott Colebrook, Commodore of the RNZYS.

See Louis Vuitton Trophy images: 

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 09 March 2010 )