In a press release today, the BMW Oracle Racing club points out that more than a week has already passed without any response from Alinghi to the request to hold urgent talks on an amicable protocol for a conventional Cup regatta in 2009.
"Time is running out," said Tom Ehman, the club's spokesman. "Our designers and boat builders need to know when and in which boat we will be competing in the regatta."
On 27 November, immediately after the Supreme Court of the State of New York ruled that the Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC) was the rightful challenger of record, the club wrote to Alinghi requesting a meeting. According to the club, it offered to organise the meeting in Geneva. There was no response to any of the requests.
On Tuesday (4 December), the club then submitted a written offer to the defending champions, supported by several Challengers, asking for a quick response. This has also not yet materialised.
The statement goes on to say that the GGYC is committed to ensuring that the next event takes place in Valencia - regardless of whether it is a challenge based on the Deed of Gift or a conventional Cup regatta. Should the GGYC succeed in winning the 33rd America's Cup, and if economic conditions similar to those of the last event were offered, the GGYC would organise the 34th America's Cup in 2011 and also in Valencia.
Following the court ruling, Alinghi said in a statement that it was now focussing on talks with the GGYC. According to Ehman, the fact that this did not happen is a disappointment for the US club.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
