The Louis Vuitton Trophy format uses existing International America's Cup Class yachts loaned to the regatta by various America's Cup racing syndicates, keeping costs relatively low for the competing teams.

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.

As Team New Zealand won the Round Robin, they got to choose their Semi Final opponents from the top four.

[3] During the regatta forty junior French sailors competed in Open Bic boats.

The winner received an Open Bic boat and a chance to be 18th man during the Trophy finals.