BMW Oracle Racing will return to competitive sailing at the end of the month following its win in the 33rd America’s Cup in February.

First on the agenda is the RC 44 Austria Cup, the second regatta on the 2010 RC 44 Championship Tour, where BMW Oracle will be represented by two boats.

Team owner Larry Ellison (USA) and team CEO Russell Coutts (NZL) will be competing under the BMW Oracle Racing banner, while the winning skipper of the 33rd America’s Cup team, James Spithill (AUS), will be at the helm of a boat currently named ‘Boat 17’. Crew from the BMW Oracle team will be sailing on both.

The RC 44 Austria Cup is a popular stop on the circuit. The weather can be unpredictable, offering up challenging conditions for racing. Ten world-class teams are expected here, including the early leader in the RC 44 Championship, Artemis. The regatta takes place from 29 April to 4 May.

Following the RC 44 Austria Cup, The America’s Cup holders will return to top class racing at the Louis Vuitton Trophy in La Maddalena, on the Italian coast of Sardinia, beginning on 22 May.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back on the water and racing against the top teams again,” said Jimmy Spithill. “Having had a look at the Louis Vuitton Trophy regatta in Auckland in February, I know we have a lot of work ahead of us to get our team competing at the highest level again. The RC 44 circuit and Louis Vuitton Trophy events are a great way for us to start that process.”

For more, visit www.bmworacleracing.com