Pre-America's Cup regatta on cards for September

The challenger period for the 32nd America's Cup in 2007 officially opened yesterday, with race organisers saying a pre-race yachting regatta could be staged as early as September this year.

But would-be contenders have until the end of the year to confirm their interest in contesting for the Auld Mug in Valencia in 2007.

Several pre-regattas are scheduled next year and in 2006.

The Louis Vuitton Cup challenger series begins in April 2007, followed by the America's Cup match which is scheduled to start in June 2007.

Team New Zealand managing director Grant Dalton has said the syndicate would decide by March 31 whether to challenge.