America's Cup: Letter from GGYC to SNG on CIC...

by Jane Eagleson

The GGYC Commodore, Marcus Young, wrote on the evening of Sunday, 17th January 2010, to SNG's Commodore, Pierre-Yves Firmenich:

"I note that any apology or even regret is absent from your Club's response today to my letter of Januarz 15, 2010.

"To set the record straight, of the three parties who drew-up the Singapore Agreement only SNG/Alinghi did not sign it. Since then, David Tillett, chairman of International Jury for 33rd America's Cup and present at the meeting, has confirmed publically that one side "Balked" at signing the Singapore Agreement at the "11th hour."

"Your negotiators knew that we had delayed serving the "constrcuted-in-country" legal paperwork for a week pending the Singapore meeting.

"Moreover, after SNG/Alinghi refused to sign the deal that had been negotiated in Singapore on Tuesday, your representatives were advised Tuesday night that we would proceed with the CIC motion at 1000 Wednesday morning if SNG/Alinghi had not agreed by then to the deal negotiated on Tuesday, or something substantially similar.

"When SNG/Alinghi made no such agreement by 100 Wednesday morning, we proceeded with the CIC motion. Thereafter, we note the talks continued with renewed vigor, and that soon your negotiators did agree a deal similar to Tuesday's. No doubt they were and are fully aware of the "constructed-in-country" problem your team faces.

"You will be aware that the Singapore Agreement included a provision that all legal actions by both sides - including Wednesday's CIC motion - would be dropped. Be advised we will not rescind that motion unless and until your Club signs the Singapore Agreement.

"We hereby renew our commitment to Draft 8 of the Singapore Agreement, but this offer ends at 1900 CET tomorrow, Monday, January 18, 2010. [Note from SailRaceWin: The date given here in the actual letter was "17", but it is clear from the date on this letter and the statement of "tomorrow, Monday" that "18" was the date intended.]

"SNG/Alinghi's continued unwillingness to sign the Singapore Agreement, which would settle all the remaining issues before the 33rd Match commences, will be a heavy burden for your Club, as Trustee, to bear."

Golden Gate Yacht Club