America's Cup Management: Press Release
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Sailing's most prestigious contest - the 32nd America's Cup - is making significant changes to the format of the event in order to make it an exciting TV-friendly product under the new management of ACM (AC Management). TWI has been contracted as ACM's media consultants and distributors. These innovations are designed to boost fan participation and awareness of the event across the globe. Among the changes are: • A series of ‘pre-regattas’ (to be called Acts) around the world. These will be the first Acts, before the main story of the Louis Vuitton Cup and America’s Cup Match in 2007, to build anticipation for the climax of the competition. • Shorter races of 90 minutes for easier insertion into TV schedules • The introduction of fleet racing for the first time in recent history, when all boats compete simultaneously, providing the dramatic 'bigger picture'. Match racing (head-to-head duels) will continue to be the heart of the America’s Cup • Extension of wind limits to reduce the number of delayed matches due to adverse weather conditions. Working with TWI as event consultants and rights distributor, ACM will continue to improve the television product to make the sailing contests more accessible and viewer-friendly. These improvements include: • Richer 3D ‘virtual sailing’ animations • Improvements in the on board cameras and microphones to capture the high drama at source • Better access to the teams and skippers behind-the-scenes - the 'stars' of this particular story - played out across the oceans and lakes of the world. (including Spain, France, USA, Switzerland and Italy) • TV magazine programmes concentrating on the glamorous lifestyle and passion of the exclusive world of sailing, as well as human interest stories. Michel Masquelier, TWI’s Senior Vice-President - Head of Sales, said: ”For the first time this event will be at the heart of the commercial time zone as the last time the Cup took place in Europe was in 1851. “With syndicates from each part of Europe, and beyond, boosting the interest of the general public, we can comfortably position this event as a prime-time series.” Margrethe van der Stroom Holdener, ACM’s Director of Marketing & Business, said: ”We are excited about the America’s Cup coming to Europe and its new format. ACM is confident that through America’s Cup Magazine Programmes, we will revolutionize the America’s Cup experience on television and will capture the public’s imagination.” The Schedule:
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