reigning champion Russell Coutts of New Zealand will not be back to defend his title next week.

Coutts is currently in New Zealand preparing for the America's Cup in which he will lead one of two challenges from the land of the Kiwi.

Just a year ago saw Coutts win the Gold Cup for the second year in a row and organisers were hopeful of his return so he could go for the `three-peat'.

But while somewhat disappointed, organisers were happy to still have a world number one participating in the form of Australia's Rod Davis, who recently took over the top spot from Coutts following a fine performance at the World Match Racing Championships in France.

"This is still the crown jewel in the whole Omega Grand Prix,'' said Ben Cesar, explaining that this year's event would lose little lustre even in the absence of Coutts.