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At the time the eight were each requested to supply in-depth technical information to facilitate AC Management's task in making the best choice of venue for the next event of the world's oldest sporting trophy, the America's Cup. In particular, the eight cities were asked questions concerning specific local weather patterns, outline plans for the hosting arrangements as well as details of their initial thoughts on the likely infrastructure and logistical facilities.

Over the past ten weeks, this unique search for a European venue suited to hosting an event as important as the America¹s Cup has required extensive studies and on-site visits.

"I have followed the process carefully," says Pierre-Yves Firmenich, Commodore of the Société Nautique de Genève, "and each of the eight candidates presented outstanding bids. It has obviously been extremely difficult to make the choice. However, ultimately, only one venue can be chosen and so it is now time to publish a shortlist."

The remaining venues are, in alphabetical order, Lisbon (POR), Marseille (FRA), Naples (ITA), Palma de Mallorca (ESP), Valencia (ESP).

Michel Bonnefous, CEO of AC Management commented: "With this shortlist we have refined our goals considerably and will now work closely with each of the remaining venues through the next crucial steps in the process. Over the coming months, we will be concentrating on the more precise details for hosting the America's Cup. We need to understand clearly the minutiae of every positive and negative element associated with each venue. It is probable that the next announcement in this process will be the identity of the final choice."

As defined in the America¹s Cup Protocol, this announcement will be made on or before December 15, 2003.