Shortly before the turn of the year, the Swiss Alinghi team announced that it would appeal. Contrary to his previous statements, team boss Ernesto Bertarelli may not accept the fact that the New York court ruled in favour of BMW Oracle Racing.
Alinghi's lawyers justified the move by arguing that the new challenge from the Americans was not clear. It is not clear enough from the document which type of boat should be used for the next Cup, a monohull or a multihull. However, it is absolutely necessary to specify this in order to avoid further lengthy legal disputes in the future.
It is now hoped that the New York court will declare BMW Oracle Racing's challenge null and void. A duel with Monster-Kats is to be avoided at all costs.
Should Alinghi be successful, the other AC teams, who are currently condemned to inaction, would then be authorised to issue a challenge. The aim is still to organise the next America's Cup in Valencia with a fleet of monohulls in 2009 or 2011 at the latest.
Tom Ehmann, spokesman for the Golden Gate Yacht Club, which is currently still the official challenger in place of the Valencia sailing club, is relaxed. He is certain that this is merely a tactical move by Alinghi to stall for time. After all, the Swiss had already accepted the challenge from the Americans. The court is therefore unlikely to recognise Alinghi's arguments.
Both parties have until tomorrow to submit their statements to the court. A new hearing will then be held on 14 January, as previously planned.
Pascal Schürmann
Editor YACHT
