Swiss team Alinghi are the holders of the America's Cup

The Supreme Court of the State of New York has unanimously ruled that the 2010 America's Cup will be held in Valencia, not the United Arab Emirates.

Holders Alinghi of Switzerland wanted the race to be held in Ras al-Khaimah but a ruling said the race must be held in the southern hemisphere or Valencia.

Alinghi appealed and suggested the east coast of Australia as an alternative before agreeing on Spain in February.

A 4-0 ruling at the appeals court now finally puts the matter at an end.

The Spanish port of Valencia is deemed acceptable, despite its northern hemisphere location, as it staged the most recent race in 2007.

American team Oracle will challenge their bitter rivals Alinghi in the 33rd staging of the famous nautical competition, which on this occasion will be a three-leg duel instead of the traditional fully-fledged regatta involving several teams.

A 19th century document preventing the event taking place in the northern hemisphere between 1 November and 1 May scuppered hopes of a race in the UAE.

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