The two America’s Cup yachts owned by BMW Oracle have arrived in Auckland ahead of the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series. 12 teams were initially confirmed for the series, however this has been reduced to 11 teams and may settle at 10 teams for the event – unless new entries are accepted.

The huge entry required the acquisition of more America’s Cup class yachts to accommodate an entry that was doubled from the original six teams. BMW Oracle Racing generously offered the use of their two America’s Cup yachts from the 2007 Louis Vuitton Cup, which have now arrived in Auckland.

They are currently located at the Viaduct Basin, which will form the venue for the Series, where the yachts are being recommissioned and equalised. They must be ready for training and practice to begin on 24 January next year.

Series hosts Emirates Team New Zealand are also providing two yachts from the 2007 Louis Vuitton Cup, NZL-84 and NZL-92, which will be repainted in the Louis Vuitton livery for the regatta.