Alinghi Sets Venue, Oracle Disagrees

Alinghi announced today that the they will be hosting the match for AC 33 in Ras al-Khaimah, one of the seven United Arab Emirates.

"Our absolute priorities in making this decision are the prevailing weather conditions and the resulting safety that they bring to both teams,” said Alinghi skipper Brad Butterworth. “We looked everywhere for a venue that suited having good racing for the Match dates in February."

While Alinghi might have found what they think is the prefect venue, it violates the provisions in the Deed of Gift that the match be held in the summer months of whichever hemisphere it’s sailed in. Alinghi is banking on a liberal interpretation of Justice Herman Cahn’s ruling in the Commercial Division of the New York Supreme Court that said that the match, " . . . may be held in Valencia or any other location . . ."

"Golden Gate YC believes SNG’s choice of this venue, without our mutual consent, is contrary to the Deed of Gift and decisions and orders of the New York courts," said BMW Oracle spokesman Tom Ehman. "We are reviewing our options."