America's Cup: Summary of the Venue Situation

by SailRaceWin

Tom Ehman, Spokesperson, Golden Gate Yacht Club:

"The Appellate Division in New York has rejected the Swiss defender's request to freeze last week's Supreme Court decision that Ras Al Khaimah (UAE) did not comply with the Deed of Gift for the 33rd America's Cup.

"Golden Gate Yacht Club said Ras Al Khaimah was wrong all along. The Spureme Court said it was wrong last week. And the Appellate Division said no to a Stay today. The message is clear...

"SNG/Alinghi will try one more time to have Ras Al Khaimah re-intsalled in a fast-track expedited Appellate Division application due to be heard in the coming weeks.

"The race dates for the 33rd America's Cup remain unchanged, commencing February 8th, 2010.

"Justice Kornreich ruled from the Supreme Court bench on Wednesday October 27 tat Ras Al Khaimah was not Deed-compliant. There will be a further hearing before her this Friday. The Court will determine if Valencia (Spain) is confirmed as the venue - as both sides had previously agreed to this in Court - or if SNG?alinghi can still choose a Deed-compliant location in the Southern Hemisphere despite the expired six month notice of the venue that the Defender is required to give the Challenger."

Alinghi media: Alinghi offers Australian venue to unlock 33rd America's Cup and return the competitition to the water

"Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), the 33rd America's Cup defending yacht club, has proposed an alternative venue to the American challenger in a bid to end their continued litigation and return the Cup to the water

"Ahead of tomorrow's hearing at the New York Supreme Court, the Swiss Defender has proposed a solution to the legal impasse brought about by the Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC). While the Defender's first choice for the Deed of Gift Match is Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, in order to achieve a Match in February SNG proposes to stage the 33rd America's Cup on the east coast of Australia, in the Southern Hemisphere, in compliance with the Deed of Gift. This is a venue that should be acceptable to both teams if, as expressed publicly, the true intention of BMW Oracle is to race for the America's Cup on the water.

"A specific race course in the Pacific Ocean off the east coast of Australia, with weather conditions suitable for racing in February, will be announced promptly should GGYC accept this offer and cease their legal strategy. The east coast of Australia offers several locations with ideal sailing conditions for the best-of-three match. A venue in this region would be approximately two and a half weeks away by ship from BMW Oracle's base in San Diego, while Alinghi's voyage from Ras Al Khaimah would take approximately three weeks.

"SNG is hopeful that this offer will be accepted and that the competition will resume on the water rather than in court."

Golden Gate Yacht Club
Alinghi media