Here's what James had to say:
On the team rejoining the Louis Vuitton Trophy circuit after missing the Auckland event: "I was down in Auckland to watch the racing and was very, very impressed with the level of the racing. Any team can win the regatta so we have our work cut out for us. We've been sailing a trimaran for the last few years, but we're excited. We have a fantastic team here and we're looking forward to it."
On returning to ACC monohulls after racing the trimaran in the America's Cup: "It's a little slower, I won't lie to you, and it's certainly a lot more crowded on the boat! But the style of racing is much more exciting and the physical aspect and the athletic side, having the grinders is an important part of the America's Cup and it's great to be with the teams and out on the water again."
The draw for round robin pairings followed and BMW ORACLE Racing has a corker of a first match scheduled - the guys will meet the defending Louis Vuitton Cup and Louis Vuitton Trophy champions - Emirates Team New Zealand.
Racing is scheduled to start with a warning signal at 1000 local time (GMT+2) but the BOR vs ETNZ match isn't until the second flight, so likely not before 1100. If time permits a fourth flight of races, BMW ORACLE will face Luna Rossa, so the regatta is starting with a bang!
(James with Yves Carcelle, CEO and Chairman of Louis Vuitton)
