Round-robin racing
Oct. 18-Dec. 12, 1999: Each challenger faces each one of his opponents once in each of three rounds of racing, accumulating points for victories in head-to-head racing. First round victories are worth one point apiece; second-round victories are worth four points apiece; third-round victories are worth nine points apiece.
Louis Vuitton Cup semifinals
Jan. 2-Jan. 11, 2000: The six top scoring boats after the round-robin racing will proceed to the semifinals with a clean score sheet. Each challenger faces each opponent twice -- racing one challenger per day on an America's Cup-length course. One point per win.
Louis Vuitton finals
Jan. 25-Feb. 4, 2000: The two top-scoring boats from the semifinals round will advance to the Louis Vuitton Cup finals. One race per day on an America's Cup-length course. In a best-of-nine series, the first to win five races will win the Louis Vuitton Cup.
America's Cup finals
Feb. 4-March 4, 2000: The Louis Vuitton Cup winner will face the Royal New Zealand Yacht Club, the America's Cup defender. They will race one race per day on the America's Cup course. In a best-of-nine series, the first to win five races will win the America's Cup.
