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Alinghi after winning one of the America's Cup races in July 2007 (photo © Th Martinez 2007)

Geneva, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) – Alinghi, as the holder of the 32nd America’s Cup trophy, known as the defender, announced Thursday that 19 teams have been approved for the 33rd Cup, now scheduled to take place in 2010. All of the teams that competed in the last race in 2007, except BMW Oracle from the US, are lined up to take part.

The teams are eligible to compete in a series of events: two pre-regattas in Valencia, Spain in 2009, the first in July and the second in October; the Club Náutico Español de Vela annual regatta in November 2009 and an America’s Cup Match in 2010.

Among the newcomers is Russia. Brad Butterworth, skipper for Alinghi, says “Having 19 teams from 12 countries entered for the 33rd America’s Cup is a clear expression of the huge worldwide interest in the competition. It’s fantastic to see such an international fleet.” Twenty teams appeared to be scheduled to enter, but Carbon Challenge has withdrawn, leaving the following teams on the official list, with registration closed (Ed. note: BMW Oracle continues to fight Alinghi in the courts):

in order of entry -
Alinghi, Société Nautique de Genève (SUI) – Defender
Desafío Español, Club Náutico Español de Vela (ESP) – Challenger of Record
Shosholoza, Royal Cape Yacht Club (RSA)
TeamOrigin, Royal Thames Yacht Club (GBR)
Team New Zealand, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (NZL)
DCYC, Deutscher Challenger Yacht Club (GER)
Green Comm Challenge, Circolo di Vela Gargano (ITA)
Ayre Challenge, Real Club Náutico de Dénia (ESP)
Victory Challenge, Gamla Stans Yacht Skallskap (SWE)
Argo Challenge, Club Nautico Gaeta (ITA)
Mascalzone Latino, Reale Yacht Club Canottieri Savoia (ITA)
Team French Spirit, Yacht Club de St Tropez (FRA)
Luna Rossa, Yacht Club Punta Ala (ITA)
Russia Team – Fiona, Yacht Club Seven Feet (RUS)
Joe Fly, Società Canottieri Lecco (ITA)
K-Challenge, Cercle de la Voile de Paris (FRA)
Greek Challenge, N.O.K. Poseidon – Nautical Club of Kalamata (GRC)
Dabliu Sail Project (ITA)
China Team, Qingdao International Yacht Club (CHN).