Because of the long delays from the legal action, and the fact that the 2010 America's Cup became a Deed of Gift match without a defender or challenger selection series, the Louis Vuitton Trophy series was established as a competition for other America's Cup racing syndicates.
One of BMW Oracle Racing's old boats, USA-87, was on standby to be used as a backup in case of damage, but was not required.
The second elimination round was scheduled for a best of three but was reduced to just one race due to low winds in the morning of the 18 March.
As top seed after the first elimination round, Team New Zealand decided to face Azzurra in the Semifinals.
[7] A one-day superyacht regatta was also planned to be held alongside the Louis Vuitton event.
[8] The New Zealand Government committed NZ$1.5 million to help fund the Festival and the Auckland City Council contributed $650,000.
[9] The winning crew consisted of Barker, Ray Davies, Jeremy Lomas, Don Cowie, James Dagg and Tony Rae.