The Italian pre-match race for the America's Cup, which will take place off Trapani's coast in autumn 2005, was presented yesterday at the International Boat Show in Genoa by Interior Ministry undersecretary Antonio D'Ali, and by Forza Italia whip at the senate, Renato Schifani.

Trapani's harbour is already undergoing renewal to host the event. The docks works will be funded by the government, with €62 million, to be included in the national Infrastructre Ministry programme. Trapani's municipal council will allocate another €16 million for urban and city works, and Sicily's Regional Government will allocate €4 million for the actual race organisation.

Plus, in order to boost tourism, Italia Navigando allegedly presented a project for a 1,200 boat capacity marina.