New series may boost Auld Mug

LONDON, England (CNN) -- A rush of entries into a new international sailing competition -- the Louis Vuitton Pacific Cup -- could be helping to restore interest in the America's Cup racing format left ailing by ongoing court battles.

The fresh America's Cup-style contest, to be held in Auckland, New Zealand in February 2009, was announced by Team New Zealand and traditional Challenger-series sponsor Louis Vuitton earlier this year.

Although initially limited to eight teams, a huge flow of international interest and an offering from syndicate BMW Oracle to provide two more yachts for the regatta, has seen the competition expanded to 12 teams.

It's understood 23 teams have expressed interest, including Oracle, Team Origin from Great Britain, and entries from South Africa, Italy, France, Australia and China, as well as the hosts, New Zealand.

If confirmed, Great Britain's entry would be significant, with four-time Olympic medalist and twice International Sailor of the Year, Ben Ainslie to skipper the crew.

Ainslie has committed to the British America's Cup team, while also vowing to defend his gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics.

In an interview with CNN's MainSail, Ainslie said he hoped to be part of a long-overdue formidable British challenge for the Auld Mug.

The other major development for the Pacific Cup event is the return to the class of racing for New Zealander Russell Coutts.

Former skipper of Team New Zealand and current Cup holder Alinghi, Coutts is now the CEO of U.S. syndicate BMW Oracle Racing.

In a statement from his team, Coutts praised the event's creators.

"Given the current regrettable situation with the America's Cup, we are very pleased that Louis Vuitton and Team New Zealand have teamed up to present a terrific series of competitive races among the top boats and the best sailors.

"It will be a big boost for our sport and for the sailing community as a whole. We look forward to seeing tens of thousands of spectators in Auckland standing at the water's edge," he said.

The interest in the new series will likely come as welcome relief to participants and sponsors of the America's Cup class of racing, as an ongoing legal battle between Oracle and Alinghi over the future of the 33rd America's Cup contest has left the event's future uncertain, and its reputation at an all-time low.

However, chief sponsor Louis Vuitton has been quick to note that the event is not an attempt to replace the America's Cup, or compete with it.

Yves Carcelle, president of Louis Vuitton, said of the regatta: "The Auckland event is neither competing with the America's Cup, nor is it part of the next edition of the America's Cup.

"The Louis Vuitton Cup, awarded to the top challenging syndicate since 1983, will not be at stake during the event. A Louis Vuitton trophy will be created especially for this regatta."

The Louis Vuitton Pacific Cup is being hosted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour.

Three daily match races are planned on a two-mile windward-leeward course laid between Rangitoto Island and the city foreshore in the harbour.

There is a planned daily draw to decide which teams will sail that day.