Experiments will be conducted in Valencia this weekend to evaluate monohulls and multihulls and to test innovative media coverage.

With a view towards helping determine if a monohull or multihull is better suited for America's Cup racing, event planners have scheduled four days of trials here to develop methods for making the racing more enthralling for fans, more challenging for crews and better portrayed on television screens around the world.

Concept papers for a new monohull and multihull design were issued on 2 July to independent rule writers in the UK and US. The trials, 22-25 July, will help confirm certain parameters of the new yacht, including reduced crew numbers to place a premium on boathandling. Not only will the format of racing and type of boat come under scrutiny, but also television production.

The America's Cup Media Evaluation Team has solicited opinions from a wide array of broadcasters, digital media and technology companies in Europe and the US on how to make the racing more dramatic on-line, on-screen and on TV. Accepted standards of Cup racing are being challenged in the trials and no thought will be ignored in the quest to create the most compelling television production and delivering it to the widest-ever audience.