GBR CUPDATE
024 days to start of Louis Vuitton Challenger Series

Friday 6 September 2002

GBR 78 ARRIVES AT BASE
GBR 78 arrived at the GBR Challenge base in Halsey Street, Auckland in the early hours of Monday morning. The team are now putting the finishing touches to the boat before she is launched for the first time later this month.

SEARLE JOINS CAMBRIDGE ELITE
The Cambridge Rowing 8, helped by GBR Challenge’s Greg Searle, took part in the first ever Waikato University vs. Cambridge University rowing race at the weekend. The event was held in honour of Harry Mahon, a multi-medal winning coach who greatly influenced both British and New Zealand rowing.
While Cambridge failed to beat the local team, Greg fared better in the two-scull event winning by x lengths.
“It was a great event and although we were disappointed with the Cambridge 8 result it was fantastic to win in the double sculls and the whole event was a well merited tribute to Harry Mahon,” commented Searle.

VIKING LUXURY
GBR Challenge guests will be treated to a little luxury when they board Viking, the syndicate’s hospitality motor yacht to watch racing in the Louis Vuitton Challenger Series and America’s Cup Match. Viking, a 76ft luxury motor yacht is fully owned and operated by the GBR team. Comprehensive corporate hospitality packages to watch racing are available. For more details please contact Meagan Fitzgerald on +64 (0)9 356 9459 or at hospitality@gbrchallenge.com

WHAT’S COMING UP….
15 Sept Louis Vuitton Media Centre opens
21 Sept GBR Day in Viaduct Basin
28 Sept Louis Vuitton Challenger Parade
29 Sept Louis Vuitton Exhibition opens
30 Sept Draw for Round Robins 1 & 2
30 Sept Skippers Press Conference

FROM OUR SKIPPER
“Right now the team has all the usual nerves associated with venturing into the unknown. We must remain confident that our attention to detail, meticulous training and our own skills, knowledge and ability will stand us in good stead. This does not mean we shouldn't be open minded to new ideas as the America's Cup can be as much about who improves fastest as who starts fastest.
The racing is nearly upon us and it is a race against time to get everything prepared, as we would like it. I am sure it is the same for all the syndicates here in Auckland.
I must thank the team for their long hours and hard work, but especially their long suffering families who may wonder quite when they will next spend 'quality time' together.
Peter Harrison has given us all the opportunity to prove what we are made of on the greatest sailing stage of all and it is very soon time for us to stand up and be counted”. Ian Walker

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
The GBR Challenge Sailing Team are making sure that they are in the best possible shape for the start of the Louis Vuitton Challenger Series. Wight Lightning and GBR52 have been out sailing on the Hauraki Gulf most days this week. As well as practising key manoeuvres, the team are carrying out an extensive sail and boat-testing programme to fine-tune the performance of their race boat.

BBC COVERAGE GUARANTEED
With the BBC securing the UK broadcasting rights to the America’s Cup, all sailing fans will be able to see unprecedented levels of coverage of GBR Challenge and other syndicates taking part in the competition. Programming will include live racing and weekly magazine programmes as well as coverage on the BBC’s Breakfast News and Grandstand programmes. Coverage is due to start on the 3 October with a 40-minute highlight programme. Peter Snow will be hosting the programmes in his own inimitable style and will be joined by studio guests that will include key names from British sailing. Richard Simmonds will be offering live commentary on racing from New Zealand. The BBC’s comprehensive coverage will be complimented by a major new BBCi website.