Following recent speculation regarding the suitability of Valencia as a venue for the pre-regatta’s in September/October 2004, OzBoyz Challenge has decided to withdraw its participation.

Sebastien Destremau, OzBoyz Challenge spokesperson said; “Our primary focus must be the America’s Cup in 2007. Sponsors, partners and our sports objective was to test the venue and facilities in Valencia this year. Yet, unfortunately Valencia is not ready and won’t be ready for us to do this.”

A representative of OzBoyz marketing squad confirmed that Valencia is undergoing major construction work and appears more like a “building site” than a polished venue fit to host America’s Cup yachting guests and sponsors.

Destremau concluded, “We did have reservations on the timing of the pre-regattas. We decided to include them in our program with the expectation that our promotional agents and marketing people could create interest and assure a high profile attendance. We saw it as an opportunity of “showcasing” a taste of what will come in 2007. Regretfully this is not the possible so we have had to make the corporate decision not to go.”