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'It is a fantastic opportunity to preview the world's best sailing talent on our very own Waitemata Harbour, before they move on to compete at the America's Cup. The eyes of the sailing world will be watching the Auckland Match Racing Cup competition closely to see who the world's top sailors are, ahead of Valencia,' he said.

Auckland City Mayor Dick HUBBARD said he is absolutely delighted that Auckland is home to this internationally-recognised sailing event, attracting sailors of world-class calibre.

'2007's Auckland Match Racing Cup will be a great opportunity for the public to enjoy an international sailing event in our harbour, hopefully leading up to another America's Cup regatta in Auckland,' he said.

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron will host the event again in 2007. Commodore, John CRAWFORD, said they are very pleased to have this opportunity.

'We are delighted to be the host club, which sees us continue our proud tradition of hosting international match racing events here in Auckland. We welcome all visitors and teams, especially those travelling from overseas,' he said.

The Auckland Match Racing Cup is five days of racing, where teams race on identical boats, for a $US50,000 cash prize and the prestigious Auckland Match Racing Cup.

The teams will sail on the Farr MRX match racing fleet used last year and for the former Steinlager Line 7 Cup regattas.

Line Up

Skipper, Nation, Team, ISAF World Match Race Ranking

Ian WILLIAMS (GBR), Team Pindar - 2
Mathieu RICHARD (FRA) - 3
Eugeny NEUGODNIKOV (RUS) - 7
Simon MINOPRIO (NZL) - 16
Dean BARKER (NZL), Emirates Team New Zealand - 24
Brian ANGEL (USA) - 32
Adam MINOPRIO (NZL) - 46

To be confirmed
James SPITHILL (AUS), Luna Rossa - 27
Paolo CIAN (ITA), Mascalzone Latino - 4
Bjorn HANSEN (SWE) - 8

About the Auckland Match Racing Cup

The Auckland Match Racing Cup is a grade-one international event and entry to the competition is by invitation only. The New Zealand America's Cup Race Committee has been reconvened to oversee the event and the competition has been officially sanctioned by the International Sailing Federation (www.sailing.org).

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron has hosted international match racing events since 1979, initially as the Citizen International Match Racing Series, then the Steinlager Cup and now there is the new era of the Auckland Match Racing Cup.