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French take over Illbruck berth

Due to funding problems, Le Defi had been late to gain a suitable berth in Auckland

LONDON, England - The French challenge to the America's Cup has taken over the Auckland harbour berth left empty by the departure of the German syndicate.

After months of uncertainty, the first ever German challenge have officially notified the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and the Louis Vuitton Cup organisers of their withdrawal.

The Illbruck berth, Number 10, complete with 450 square metre boat shed and 700 square metre sail loft built by the Germans, will now be occupied by Le Defi Areva.

Problems with funding meant that the Le Defi Areva were latecomers to get a base in Auckland's crowded Viaduct Harbour and found that their previous 2000 series spot, and the Japanese base, had been swallowed up by the mega-base occupied by the Swiss Alinghi syndicate

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Various options were considered including the less-than-ideal solution of setting up on a floating barge outside the harbour.

However, not everybody will be welcoming the nuclear power-sponsored French team.

There have been reports that environmental group Greenpeace will be presenting a special bottle of "champagne" water from the outlet of the nuclear power station on Cap de La Hague for the launching of Le Defi Areva's yacht next weekend.

Once the Louis Vuitton Cup challenger elimination series starts on October 1 other syndicates fear that anti-nuclear protesters might blockade the entrance to the harbour, delaying the racing.

Illbruck pulled out of the competition after German businessman Michael Illbruck failed to attract commercial partners to underwrite some of the costs.

Illbruck, 42, CEO of Illbruck, has spent $20 million on his successful Volvo Ocean race campaign and was planning to spend a further $15 million on his Cup bid.

"While it's disappointing that we cannot keep the team together for the next America's Cup, we hope to find a long-term solution to challenge again some time in the future," said Illbruck, who now has a partially-built America's Cup yacht in his warehouse.

The winner of the challenger series will race Cup holder Team New Zealand from February 15, 2003.