Sky Sports scoop UK rights to the 32nd America's Cup

LONDON – Sky Sports has secured the UK broadcasting rights to the 32nd America's Cup yacht-races to be staged in Valencia in 2007.

Coverage of the 154-year old race kicks off with the Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger as the first official challenger to face up to the Swiss cup holders, Alinghi.

The action culminates in live coverage of the 32nd America's Cup between the Swiss holders and the eventual challenger, which will consist of a minimum of five races.

The Sky Sports deal includes magazine programmes covering the 2005 and 2006 Opening Acts, the series of regattas off Malmo-Skane in Sweden, Trapani in Italy and Valencia in Spain held in the build-up to the main event.

Sue Ashworth, commercial manager of Sky Sports, said Sky will use the latest television technology to make the America's Cup gripping for all its viewers.

"There will be virtual graphics, on-board cameras, computer tracking and all the best kit to take new followers and devoted fans to the core of this sport," she said. 

The first America's Cup was originally held in 1851 when the schooner America defeated a British fleet in a race around the Isle of Wight. 

The American defenders dominated the event until 1983, creating the longest successful run in sporting history. Australia broke the strangle-hold in 1983 and New Zealand became only the third nation to win the America's Cup 12 years later. 

The current holders are Alinghi of Switzerland. The 32nd America's Cup will be contested in Valencia – the first to be staged in Europe since the inaugural event.

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