French bid for America's Cup

French skipper Loick Peyron and former Team New Zealand helmsman Bertrand Pace aim to put together a French syndicate for the next America's Cup.

Pace, who helmed Team New Zealand's backup boat in the lead-up to the defence, and was promoted to the role of tactician for race four and five of the cup match, is understood to be the first Team New Zealand sailor to jump ship after the 5-0 loss to Alinghi.

Pace has been named as the skipper of the syndicate who, according to a sailing website, has also been in discussions with former Team New Zealand designer Clay Oliver and Prada's Rod Davis.