ALINGHI READY FOR 33RD AMERICA'S CUP IN VALENCIA

Sport » Watersport

Keith Nicol / 2009-11-15 14:10:32

Both teams now seem happy with the outcome.

After much discussion, court cases and lawyers fees, it now seems certain that the America’s Cup may be coming to Valencia after all, in just four months time!

In a letter written on November 10th, 2009 to New York Supreme Court Justice Kornreich following the unsuccessful discussions with the Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC), the America's Cup Defender, Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), has confirmed that it will conduct a Deed of Gift Match with GGYC in February 2010 in Valencia, which is the date and venue repeatedly requested by GGYC and previously ordered by the Court.

SNG has also expressed its intention to publish the 33rd America's Cup Notice of Race with immediate effect.

While SNG confirms Valencia as the venue for the 33rd America's Cup in February 2010, the offer to GGYC of an Australian venue for the same date remains on the table until 13 November 2009 provided GGYC agrees to withdraw all legal actions.

Alinghi skipper, Brad Butterworth, who participated in the discussions in New York, expressed his disappointment at the outcome: “We went into the talks in good faith, ready to make concessions in order to guarantee the return of the Cup to the water for a February duel between two state of the art multihulls, but sadly once again BMW Oracle were in power grab mode.

This time their priority was to delay the race because they are not ready. Originally they pushed for February when it was to their advantage; now they have to live with their choice of date. I think I speak for the community when I say we want the Cup sorted out as soon as possible on the water.”

Another mark of shame from the BMW team, but perhaps this will be the news that the Valencian Region has hoped for all along as, if it goes ahead, this will bring much needed tourist dollars to the region. If you missed the last America’s Cup, make sure you visit this time. It’s a fantastic spectacle and event, even if there are just the two boats fighting it out.