 Alinghi beat Team New Zealand to win the 32nd America's Cup |
The format of the next America's Cup is to be thrashed out at a meeting between challengers of record BMW Oracle and champions Alinghi next week. A court ruling earlier this month confirmed that Oracle were the official challengers rather than Spanish team Desafio Espanol. Once the race details have been agreed, preparations can be made for event in Valencia later this year. Officials will choose between a two-club duel or a multi-team regatta. It had been suggested that the format would be a best-of-three race between the two clubs involving multi-hull yachts, but Oracle have said negotiations were under way to hold a traditional regatta, the preferred option for sailing enthusiasts. That would open the way for 18 teams from countries such as Britain, New Zealand, Italy, South Africa and Germany to compete.  | 606: DEBATE |
The 2009 race had been locked in a long legal battle, with Alinghi, who sail under the Societe Nautique de Geneve colours, originally recognising the Spanish team Desafio as challengers of record, meaning those two teams decide the format between them. But Oracle, who are bankrolled by software billionaire Larry Ellison, successfully challenged that in court and had themselves installed as challengers of record. The meeting could still present difficulties. Oracle, who are based at the Golden Gate Yacht Club in San Francisco, have suggested it be held in secret and that mediators, such as the International Sailing Federation, be present. Alinghi beat Team New Zealand to win the America's Cup in Valencia in 2007.
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