| VALENCIA, SPAIN-(17-12-2004) The 32nd America's Cup is very pleased to report that two more prospective teams have today sent in the paperwork for their challenge to the defending Yacht Club, the Société Nautique de Genève. Following the wishes of the two teams concerned, the America's Cup will not immediately reveal the identity of these teams, allowing them to manage their own communications.
In accordance with the Terms of Challenge for the 32nd America's Cup, any team interested in challenging had to present the required documents to challenge before 16:00 December 17th, 2004, or pay a late entry fee.
 As of this first challenge deadline, eight teams have become challengers for the 32nd America's Cup. They, along with the Defender, Team Alinghi, will compete in a series of Louis Vuitton Acts in Europe over the next three summers. In April 2007, the Challengers will compete for the Louis Vuitton Cup, and the right to face Team Alinghi in the 32nd America's Cup Match.
Further challengers for the 32nd America's Cup may be accepted up until the final challenge deadline of the 29th April, 2005. These would be subject to a € 200 000 late fee. There are several project teams working to become full Challengers ahead of this final deadline.
In addition to the two new challengers, the six previously announced teams fighting for the right to meet Alinghi in the 32nd America's Cup Match are:
BMW ORACLE Racing, USA
+39 Challenge, ITA
Team Shosholoza, RSA
Emirates Team New Zealand, NZL
Luna Rossa Challenge, ITA
K-Challenge, FRA
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