The network’s primetime coverage of the elimination series will begin airing in October 2002, when 10 teams from seven countries descend upon Auckland, New Zealand in their quest to race for one of the nautical world’s most coveted prizes. OLN will present unprecedented coverage of the Louis Vuitton Cup with over 450 hours between October 2002 and February 2003. The announcement was made today by Roger Williams, President and CEO of Outdoor Life Network.

Three of the 10 challengers to the Cup are from the United States. The other seven teams are all from Europe including Great Britain, France, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.

The winner of the series will go on to face Team New Zealand representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in the 31st America’s Cup Match in March 2003.