America's Cup magic will hit Sicily next year. More Acts will be sailed in the Mediterranean waters at the tip of the island as the America's Cup roadshow will arrive in Trapani in late September.

This will be the very first America's Cup experience in Italy, a country which has a strong history in this particular event.

Trapani's harbour is already undergoing renewal to host the 2005 pre-AC regatta.

The docks are being funded by the government with a significant budget. Trapani's Municipal Council will fork out another sizable sum for the required urban works and Sicily's regional government will allocate more millions of euros for the project. In all, it is estimated that €82 million will be spent.

In order to boost tourism, Italia Navigando have presented a project for a full capacity marina. This has been announced recently by the ministry concerned and by the Forza Italia whip at the senate.

Meanwhile, organisers are also looking at Miami for another venue for an AC pre-regatta. South Florida is known for its high-profile regattas, like Key West Race Week and Ocean Racing Circuit. Sailors throughout the world are aware of the high-calibre management and challenging sailing conditions.

Recently, America's Cup administrators released financial accounts.

Fulfilling a commitment outlined in a protocol, they published accounts for the period ending June 30, 2004.

The total budgeted revenues for the event are forecast at €210 million. With expenses at €195m, there is an anticipated surplus of nearly €15m, which is to be split between the challenging teams (45%), the defender (45%) and the event organiser (10%).

"We see this occasion as a natural part of fulfilling our mandate," said Michel Bonnefous CEO of AC Management.

"It is important that the event is fully transparent and accountable to the teams, partners, host cities and the public who support us."