During a preliminary selection the bids of Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Porto Cervo and Elba were eliminated.

A new building, Veles e Vents designed by David Chipperfield, was built in the harbour of Valencia to house the central base for all the America's Cup teams.

Eleven challengers from nine countries submitted formal entries prior to the closing deadline of April 29, 2005.

The winner, Emirates Team New Zealand, became the Challenger and raced against the Defender, Alinghi, for the America's Cup.

[3] Other team members included Peter Holmberg, Mike Drummond, Matt Mitchell, Brian Sharp, Mark Newbrook, Jordi Calafat, Nicholas Texier and Craig Satherwaite.