The final auction on eBay for the exclusive sponsorship package has ended with a final bid of $20million. The final bid count was ten bids by three companies which were from Japan, France and Switzerland.

The reserve price of $26million was not met during the auction, precluding a sale, but the auction format let millions of people know about the team and the revised America's Cup format.

At this stage, the Sausalito Challenge will engage in private discussions with companies who have come forward as a result of the exposure from the sponsorship auction.

"It's a three year marriage between a team and sponsor", stated co-founder Tina Kleinjan. "We want to make sure the company we choose is in it for the long haul. We look forward to speaking to the bidders and any new companies who haven't contacted us yet. Our goal is to find that special company who shares our passion for the cup and smart marketing".

"Using the eBay format has given us front row seats to CEO's worldwide", said co-founder John Sweeney. "It's a sample of what we can create for our sponsor and proof that we lead the way in innovative ideas in our sport on and off the water".

" We want to give the America's Cup some personality and let everyone see what our team is doing around the clock", Sweeney added. "At the end of the day we expect to win the America's Cup and give our sole sponsor the best possible ROI. This, after all, will be the company that sponsors the return of the America's Cup to the US and San Francisco Bay".