Where the race will be decided. ©NARAL

Geneva, Switzerland and New York, USA (GenevaLunch) – Team Alinghi, representing the Société Nautique de Genève in the 33rd America’s Cup race, has announced it will appeal the decision by Justice Shirley Kornreich of the New York Supreme Court to deny Alinghi the right to defend its title in Ras al-Khaimah (RAK), United Arab Emirates, in February 2010.

Kornreich had ruled 27 October that the race be held in the southern hemisphere or in Valencia, Spain, basing her decision on the terms of the “Deed of Gift” which stipulates that the race be held in the southern hemisphere between 1 November and 1 May.

Team Alinghi chose the Persian Gulf location based on a decision in May 2008 by Justice Herman Cahn, Kornreich’s predecessor and now retired, that the race could be held “in Valencia or in any location”. It says that RAK was suitable because of the weather conditions for a “Deed of Gift” race, the infrastructure the emirates location offers, and the experience the country has in hosting world-class sports events.

The court must decide several technical issues still, including the measurement of the boats, the composition of the race jury and other racing rules. Alinghi nominated New Zealander Graham McKenzie as its technical expert 2 November to advise Justice Kornreich in her deliberations. Challenger BMW-Oracle has nominated Bryan Willis, a respected sailing adjudicator. One third advisor is believed to be Australian David Tillet, the current chairman of the racing rules committee of the International Sailing Federation.

Background: “NY Supreme Court rules out Emirates venue for America’s  Cup“, 27 October 2009, GenevaLunch

Links to other sites: Le Temps, The Times

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