Anyone who thought that after months of wrangling and one appeal hearing after another, the battle for the Cup would finally return to the water is in for a disappointment. Today, the Golden Gate Yacht Club once again announced legal action against the Alinghi team.
"We have asked the Supreme Court of the State of New York to clarify that the 33rd Americas Cup will indeed be sailed in accordance with the statutes of the Deed of Gift. (...) Recent moves by the Société Nautique de Genève to unfairly change the rules of the Cup continue their policy of disrespecting the oldest trophy in sport," the challengers said.
There are two main issues at stake: BMW Oracle wants clarity on the measurement rules for the two maxi-multihulls, as they fear that the attached rudder blades of their trimaran could be counted towards the waterline length. This would make their boat too long and would result in a measurement protest. Alinghi would be in the clear, as Ernesto Bertarelli's cat has rudders mounted under the hulls.
In addition, BMW Oracle is once again demanding that Alinghi must publicise the previously secret agreement with Isaf on amended racing rules. Otherwise, however, the Cup match continues to be looked forward to with "enthusiasm".
Andreas Fritsch
Editor Travel
