America's Cup: Statement from Tom Ehman, Golden Gate Yacht Club

by Tom Ehman

In its continuing effort to host the 33rd America's Cup in Ras Al Khaimah, today [25th November 2009] Société Nautique de Genève asked the Appellate Division to reverse the October 27 Supreme Court decision which had declared RAK as non-compliant with the governing Deed of Gift.

In recent weeks, SNG has publicly committed to Valencia as the venue, even while attempting to re-instate Ras Al Khaimah via appeal, as well as floating Australia as a possible venue.

Today SNG also requested that, if the Appellate Court does not reinstate RAK in February, the 33rd Match be delayed from February until May 2010. SNG argued that this was to allow it to choose a venue in the Northern Hemisphere that would be Deed-compliant even though both SNG and GGYC had previously agreed to Valencia by mutual consent.

Additionally, SNG asked the Appellate Court to reinstate SNG's own peculair measurement method that would include rudders in the crucial Length on Load Water-Line calculation. The effect of this abnormal practice, never before used in the America's Cup, woudl be to disqualify GGYC's yacht. The Supreme Court ruled against SNG's measurement method last month.

We appreciate the Appellate Court having handled SNG's appeal on an expedited basis, and we look forward to its decision.

Golden Gate Yacht Club