Louis Vuitton delivered a sharp slap to the America’s Cup Management yesterday with the news that they are withdrawing from sponsorship of the Challenger trials. The announcement contained carefully worded censure of their plans for the next Cup.

The French luxury goods company has become synonymous with the America’s Cup, which they have sponsored since 1983. But the news that they are dropping out confirms rumours that they are unhappy with the way the event is being run and the escalation in the costs of sponsorship.

Read more on my blog.