A new champion is sure to be crowned at next month's Colorcraft Gold Cup, with six-time winner and reigning champion Russell Coutts turning down the opportunity to return for a defence in favour of continuing his programme of activities with the Swiss America's Cup challenger syndicate Societe Nautique de Gen?ve.

The New Zealander captured last year's crown in stunning fashion, his tactical and technical brilliance fully evident as he brushed aside the challenge of arch rival and countryman Chris Dickson 3-0 in the final among the radiant confines of Hamilton Harbour. However, there will be no repeat, as Coutts continues his duties for the syndicate funded by billionaire Ernesto Bertarelli.

"Coutts was invited, and for various reasons he's decided not to come," said Kevin Blee, sailing and marina manager at host Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. "They are actually having an event of their own over in Switzerland at the same time and he has elected to take part in that rather than come here."

Coutts caused quite a stir within and beyond the borders of New Zealand when he elected to sign with Bertarelli, leaving reigning Americas Cup champions Team New Zealand for greater responsibility - and corresponding riches - with the Swiss outfit.

Dickson, who is viewed by many in sailing circles as having started the 'skipper for hire' business when he signed on with a Japanese syndicate more than a decade ago, is also set to give this year's event a miss.

He is focusing on his work as part of the Larry Ellison's Oracle Syndicate based in the United States.

Still, the event will contain most all of the other star skippers of the match racing circuit, with four time Americas Cup winning skipper Dennis Conner joined by the likes of Ed Baird (United States), Peter Gilmour (United States), Jes Gram-Hansen (Denmark), Andy Green (United Kingdom), Magnus Holmberg (Sweden), Peter Holmberg (US Virgin Islands) and Bertrand Pac? (New Zealand).

Additional prominent America's Cup names are expected in the unseeded ranks.

"With the preliminary competition for the America's Cup in New Zealand starting just over a year from now, the Colorcraft Gold Cup has attracted an outstanding field." said RBYC Commodore Somers Cooper.

"It holds the promise of close and spectacular competition.

Most of these major Cup players will go straight from Bermuda to Auckland to begin their summer practice season there. We'll have a unique opportunity to view them in full match race mode."

The list of 16 unseeded skippers is expected to be announced next week, with at least two local helmsmen to be included in that mix.