Alinghi and Team New Zealand NZL 82 battle it out on the Hauraki Gulf in 2003. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Conditions for the 2013 America's Cup and Louis Vuitton Cup regattas could be a repeat of those experienced here in Auckland in 2000 and 2003.
Following the confirmation of dates for the two regattas, it looks as though the challengers will need to compete in conditions significantly heavier than those
in which the match for the Auld Mug will be held.
In the last week, organisers of the regatta have confirmed that the best-of-nine race America's Cup match will be held on September 7 to 22, 2013.
The Louis Vuitton Cup, to decide who will race against defender Oracle Racing, will be held from July 13 until September 1. The exact dates and format for the Louis Vuitton regatta will be announced once the final number of challengers is known.
Reports from local San Francisco sailors suggest the challengers could face a similar situation to those encountered by Louis Vuitton entrants in Auckland.
Here the challengers had to optimise their boats and skills to compete in Auckland's blustery spring conditions in October, November and early December. However, they also had to be mindful that the semifinals and finals of the challenger series would be held in January and the eventual winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup would be competing for the America's Cup in traditionally light wind February.
Those who know the waters of San Francisco say June to August is considered "high wind season" while conditions in September are generally more moderate.
At the time of going to press, there were five confirmed challengers, only four of which have been named. However at least two, including Challenger of Record Mascalzone Latino, are said to be facing difficult financial situations and there is speculation they might not last through to 2013.
