The Swiss team Alinghi, entrusted as defender with the choice of the next regatta series, has decided in favour of the little-known sheikdom of Ras al-Khaimah. The first race is scheduled to start on 8 February 2010.
Insiders have long suspected it, but now it is certain. After Alinghi had trained in the nearby emirate of Dubai in the winter of 2006/2007 before the 32nd Cup and a regatta in the high-ranking RC-44 series brought the Emirates further into the focus of the international sailing world, the bid for the 33rd America's Cup was awarded to the small country at the eastern end of the Persian Gulf.
Alinghi's skipper Brad Butterworth: "The top priorities for this decision are the prevailing wind conditions. A nice sea breeze builds up there during the day, similar to that in the Mediterranean in summer. The infrastructure is also right."
The cuppers, the associated bases, catering, media centre and the like will be housed on a 22-hectare island in the lagoon of Al Hamra Village. The emirate has only around 300,000 inhabitants. The head of state is Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammad Al Qasimi. His deputy Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi: "The event is important for us because it shows that the Emirates is a good place for international events and what we have achieved as a destination for tourism and trade. And it also shows our integration into the world."
However, it is considered certain that the challenger BMW Oracle Racing will oppose the venue. According to the rules of the foundation charter, an America's Cup must be sailed in the southern hemisphere during the winter months. However, an earlier court ruling had granted Alinghi a worldwide choice. The next hearing in the ongoing dispute between the two rivals will take place on 10 August in New York.
Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT
