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The Cup has a lucrative $US100,000 prize pool with Tourism Auckland chief executive Graeme OSBORNE saying the event was one of the most exciting to come to the city this year.

'This is undoubtedly one of the most exciting new events Auckland will see in 2006 and it will reinforce New Zealand's and Auckland's position as a global centre of excellence for yachting events, technology and expertise.'

Mayor of Auckland City, Dick HUBBARD, said the event was set to become an annual highlight of Auckland's event calendar bringing sustainable economic benefits to the region.

Event organizer Dave STEWART, general manager of Springs Promotions, said the Auckland Match Racing Cup 2006 was gathering pace.

'It is exciting to see some of the world's best skippers and their crews arriving in Auckland to race in what is a world class event. This event will put New Zealand back on the international sailing scene.'

The event will take place between the Viaduct Harbour and the Harbour Bridge, near the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and the former America's Cup bases.

The event sees a top quality line up heading for Auckland including five of the top ten sailors from the ISAF World Match Race Rankings, who will go up against Kiwi stars DICKSON, BARKER and Cameron APPLETON, as well as Victory Challenge's three-time Olympian Magnus HOLMBERG (SWE).

Auckland Match Racing Cup Entrants
(Team, ISAF World Match Race Ranking)

• Ed BAIRD (USA), Alinghi - 2
• Ian WILLIAMS (GBR) - 5
• Mathieu RICHARD (FRA) - 6
• Sebastian COL (FRA), K-Challenge - 8
• Staffan LINDBERG (FIN) - 10
• Bertrand PACE (FRA), BMW Oracle Racing - 13
• Dean BARKER (NZL), Emirates Team New Zealand - 18
• Magnus HOLMBERG (SWE), Victory Challenge - 30
• Chris DICKSON (NZL), BMW Oracle Racing - 40
• Cameron APPLETON (NZL), K-Challenge - 78

For a complete list of all the news from the Auckland Match Racing Cup CLICK HERE.