To be contested in 2013 on San Francisco Bay, the Louis Vuitton Cup will see challengers from around the globe battle each other for an opportunity to race in the subsequent America's Cup Finals.

Significantly, 2013 marks the 30th anniversary of the first Louis Vuitton Cup which took place in Newport, Rhode Island in 1983. It was an auspicious debut, as the winner of the first Louis Vuitton Cup, Australia II, went on to become the first challenger in the 132-history (at that time) of the America's Cup to beat the defender.

From that beginning, it was clear the Louis Vuitton Cup would serve a dual purpose. Firstly, it is used to determine the challenger who will advance to the America's Cup. But of equal significance, it also prepares that challenger, through hard-fought competition, to race on level terms with the Defender.

History bears this out. Prior to the first Louis Vuitton Cup in 1983, no challenger had ever found success in the America's Cup. But now, including that first win by Australia II, the winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup has gone on to claim the America's Cup four out of seven times.

“I have competed for the Louis Vuitton Cup three times in the past, so I know how important it is to the Challenger’s success," said Russell Coutts, the CEO or ORACLE Racing in November, when the agreement with Louis Vuitton was announced.

"We welcome the return of Louis Vuitton and look forward to racing the winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup in 2013."

For Louis Vuitton, the 30-year anniversary is very significant. This relationship with the Louis Vuitton Cup and America's Cup is among the longest and most successful in sport. Louis Vuitton will also serve as Official Timekeeper for the 34th America's Cup.

“We are thrilled to continue our 30-year partnership with the America’s Cup," said Yves Carcelle, Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton Malletier. "We believe that the 34th edition will be the best America’s Cup yet."

By America's Cup Media.

www.americascup.com