America's Cup: Statement by Tom Ehman, GGYC Spokesperson

by Jane Eagleson

The International Jury for the 33rd America's Cup has confirmed the start time for races will be 1006.

This was one of five decisions reached by the Jury following hearings in Valencia in which Golden Gate Yacht Club's requests for redress were heard for improper actions taken by the defender, Societe Nautique de Geneve.

The Jury gave Race Officer Harold Bennett the discretion to use his experience and judgement on what constitutes fair and safe conditions for racing. GGYC submitted that SNG's planned low wind limits would unfairly advantage Alinghi 5 and disadvantage USA.

GGYC's yacht USA has also been cleared to use onboard wind-detection equipment as well as fast and green friction-reduction technologies. SNG had previously arranged rules to permit both these things, but had a last minute change of mind, and then attempted to prevent USA from using them.

"This brings some degree of common sense back to the rules," commented GGYC spokesman Tom Ehman. “The pinnacle event in our sport, contested by the world’s best sailors, ought to allow racing in conditions over and above those that even kids in the Optimist trainer class would say were too light to be any fun.”

Race 1 for the 33rd Match is scheduled for Monday, February 8, with Race 2 on Wednesday and Race 3 (if necessary) on Friday.

Golden Gate Yacht Club