Sunday 2 August 2009

Statement from Tom Ehman, Spokesperson, Golden Gate Yacht Club

by Jane Eagleson

"We are very pleased that today’s Court decision gives us clarity regarding the design rules that will govern AC33. It is now crystal clear that racing rules 49 through 54 will not apply.

"However, without racing rules 49-54, SNG is breaking with the longstanding history and tradition in yacht racing that prohibited the use of non-manual power. For the first time in the Cup’s history, engines will be permitted to trim the sails, and computers can be used to control and steer the yachts. This, we believe, is a sad day for the America’s Cup.

"While we are pleased with the design-rule certainty, we are disappointed that the Court has said that SNG can change the other racing rules at any time up to the start of the Match. We do not believe this is what the Deed says, nor what the donors intended, and are currently reviewing our options in this regard.

"We are pleased that Justice Kornreich has ordered SNG to provide us the secret agreement SNG entered into with ISAF.

"We look forward to the hearing on August 10th to clear the air on the CHR matter. We
are confident we can demonstrate to the Court when it “would be practicable for [GGYC] to provide a CHR.”

BMW ORACLE Racing

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