Big-name sponsor on board

After more than a year of sometimes prickly negotiations, Louis Vuitton has finally signed up to sponsor the America's Cup challenger series in Auckland next year.

Bruno Trouble, a former Cup skipper and now representative of the French luggage designer, made it clear when he visited Auckland early this year that he was disenchanted with the organisation of the event.

But those problems have been resolved, with the firm putting its name on the dotted line exactly one year out from the start of the challenger series, to be known as the Louis Vuitton Cup.

The company will have a larger involvement than in previous regattas. For the first time it will be seen on the water during the America's Cup finals - it is likely to have its logo on marker buoys on the race course.

It will once again run the media centre, which has still to find a home but is expected to be in the National Maritime Museum.

An America's Cup Challengers' Association spokeswoman, Heather Pike, said the deal was wonderful news for the challengers, especially those who were still looking for financial support.

"They can go to potential sponsors and show how Louis Vuitton keeps returning to the event and that they would do well to align themselves with a challenge."