For the next four months, the only cup the challengers for the America's Cup will be thinking about is the Louis Vuitton Cup, because only by winning the Louis Vuitton Cup will a challenger qualify to race against Team New Zealand for the America's Cup. Click 'Key Dates' at right for the official format for the grueling elimination series, which will result in a head to head, two boat final in January 2003 to determine the challenger for the America's Cup. In 2000, the dramatic clash between Prada and AmericaOne provided intense action, with Prada finally taking the last race to give her the 5-4 series victory and a shot at the America's Cup. Unfortunately, most of the excitement ended there as Team New Zealand easily swept the Italians 5-0 to be the first country other than the United States to successfully defend the America's Cup.
Gone are the tribulations of OneWorld vs. Team New Zealand, Prada vs. Oracle, solutions having been reached by the arbitration panel. Will this be the last of the off-water controversies? Probably not. But finally the sailors, boats, and the on-the-water competition can take center stage.  Already there is much speculation as the favorites, Alinghi and Oracle, warm up against other challengers with mixed results. This promises to be one of the most competitive elimination series ever, and it's doubtful that any one team will totally dominate. However, with all the talk of mystery appendages on the New Zealand and British boats, creative rigging on Prada, and who knows what else, it might be some small innovation that turns the tide in favor of one boat. We'll find out when the boats hit the race course October 1 (September 30th in U.S.) The racing will be carried live, or almost live on OLN (Outdoor Life Network). Check your cable company for times. Let the racing begin!
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