For 30 years, the Louis Vuitton Cup has been a passport to the America's Cup. Established in 1983, the role of the Louis Vuitton Cup is twofold - to select the best challenger team, and to prepare the winner for success against the Defender in the following America's Cup Finals. The Louis Vuitton Cup, America’s Cup Challenger Series (July-August 2013), precedes the America’s Cup Finals (September 2013), and is being held on San Francisco Bay, a natural sailing arena, in AC72 wing sail catamarans.