oday nine lavishly funded yachting syndicates from around the world began a three month sailing war in New Zealand. The best sailor's in the world aboard the fastest monohulls ever built going head to head in the stunning Hauraki Gulf for the Louis Vuitton Cup. The winner of the Louis Vuitton goes up against Black Magic, New Zealand's aptly named team of some of the youngest and most dedicated sailors in the history of the sport for a shot at the most coveted sailing trophy there is: the America's Cup. Three years ago New Zealand defended with an amazing 5-0 win against Italy's Prada in a celebration of a small countries' dedication to sport and excellence. This time around the Kiwi's arguably lost some of their best talent to big money being offered by some of the other teams. So everyone wants to know- can the magic continue? They're the only country to have successfully defended the Cup after the US held it for 137 straight years, and Dennis Conner returns for an attempt at bringing it back to the red white and blue. Italy's Prada began training the very day after they lost to Black Magic three years ago. Billionaire software moguls quit their day jobs to try their hand at the helm. Millions are spent like coins in a parking meter.

How's that for hype? It's taken nine months for Saoirse and Offshore Odysseys to get ready for this one, but today it all came together. For four months we get to be at the heart of a sailor's dream. Anyone who likes what they see on TV, we've got a pretty nice spot in Auckland on slip Z-1 at the charter dock in Westhaven, just down from Syndicate Row in the Viaduct Basin. The parties have started...you're all invited.

Just make sure you bring a pair of big red socks.

Stay tuned.

Gavin McClurg

Offshore Odysseys
Westhaven Charter Pier, Slip Z-1
Auckland, New Zealand
Mobile #: 021-325-016
Email