"Someone's already lost the Louis Vuitton and America's Cup, we just don't know who it is," said Peter Isler, quoting Dennis Conner from a Cup gone by.

With racing just about to start there is no doubt that aside from the America's Cup match itself, the opening of the Louis Vuitton Cup is the most exciting part of the entire event. Expectations are high and the scoreboard is clean. At this point, everyone is on an even footing.

While we might not know the winners, we do know who's racing who in Round Robin 1 of the Louis Vuitton Cup which starts on Monday, along with which races look like providing the most interest.

So here's the YW first day preview of what's on offer along with a list of the pairings and the dates that the matches will be sailed on.

Aside from the racing itself, take a look at the boats that the teams have declared. In particular the Kiwis and BMW Oracle who are both using their second and latest boats for the very first time in competition.

The ones to watch are marked with our star rating

*** Must watch match
** Could be interesting
* Still better than working


MONDAY - FLIGHT 1

North Course
Mascalzone Latino v Emirates Team New Zealand ***
Plus 39 v Areva Challenge **

South Course
United Internet Team Germany v BMW Oracle Racing
Team Shosholoza v Victory Challenge ***
China Team v Luna Rossa

MONDAY - FLIGHT 2

North Course
Desafio Espanol v Plus 39 **
Mascalzone Latino v Areva Challenge **

South Course
United Internet Team Germany v Team Shosholoza **
China Team v BMW Oracle Racing
Victory Challenge v Luna Rossa **



HOW TO WATCH, LISTEN AND FOLLOW THE ACTION

****** RESULTS ******
Click Here for Results

****** ONLINE RACE TRACKER ******
AmericasCupAnywhere

****** VIDEO ******
Daily video news story

****** LIVE AUDIO ******
Follow the action live from Valencia
Broadcast starts at 1355 local time (1255 GMT)

ASHORE
To listen to the daily commentary log on to the official site at;
Click here then Live info and Radio

AFLOAT
If you're in town, listen on:

English
VHF Ch71
Spanish
FM 87.8 - Valencia


Yachting World - Matthew Sheahan, 15 April 2007