Twenty-five top International 49er crews are invited to register for a one-off showcase event in Valencia from 10-12 May 2007. With a total prize fund of ?2,000 and International Sailing Federation (ISAF) recognition as a Grade 3 event, this will be an opportunity to showcase the 49er Class during one of the biggest events in sailing, the America’s Cup.

The event is scheduled to take place the weekend after the Louis Vuitton Cup Round Robin series final and just ahead of the Louis Vuitton semi-finals. The exact race format is yet to be confirmed, but it is guaranteed to be one of the most competitive and adrenaline-fuelled events of the season.

Organised by America’s Cup Management, the Spanish Sailing Federation and the Valencia Sailing Federation, in association with the International 49er Class, this showcase invitational competition will involve three days of racing with finals held on the last day.

AC Management, the team responsible for organising the America’s Cup 2007 is working with the International 49er class to ensure that some of the world’s top sailors take part in the competition. Up to 25 teams will be able to compete, with successful entrants being invited to attend based on applications. The President and the CEO of the 49er class will then invite the top 25 applicants based on the latest ISAF ranking list.

Interested applicants should e-mail ceo@49er.org with name and contact details before the 1 April 2007.