Interview with Russell Coutts about the current cup situation

Image (c) RC44

Today one of the largest Swiss newspapers punkt.ch published an interview with Russell Coutts talking about the cup, here is the entire interview.

[Source: punkt.ch]

1: How realistic do you see the chance that there will be an agreement with Alinghi to run the 33^rd Cup as previously planned in 2009
We think it is realistic, but we need to move quickly. The challengers and ourselves all want to race in Valencia in 2009. But to get started we need certainty, and that’s why it will be important to complete a mutual consent challenge as soon as possible.

2: In case of no agreement this means no challenger series, what would this mean for the sailing sport?
That is up to Alinghi. We want a multiple challenger event, but as defender they are within their rights to reject a mutual consent challenge. If that happens a two-boat race is inevitable under the rules. It is however not our preference as we want to race a conventional America's Cup in Valencia in 2009, with as many challengers as possible.

3: In this case the cup will be sailed on catamarans? If yes who would benefit of?
We will see when - if - we get there. This would certainly not be good for the challengers.

4: Earlier you been on board of Alinghi, What do you say about the behavior of Ernesto Bertarelli/ Alinghi since he won the cup the second time?
It is not about people but it is about the America's Cup. And we have said clearly what we think is best for the event.

5: Ernesto Bertarelli is described as arrogant rich Swiss, is he compromising the image of Switzerland?
Again, what interests me is the future of the Cup.

6: Some of the sponsors already left the cup. Some of the Alinghi main sponsors are considering to leave due to the conflicts. How big is the financial damage due to the behavior of Alinghi.
It is too early to say but the current situation is certainly not good for our sport.

7: BMW-Oracle and Alinghi are not short on budget, are only suffering the smaller teams due to this conflict?
I think the entire event suffers from the current situation. It's not good for anybody. It's really time to move on and seriously discuss the future of the event.

Alinghi and BMW Oracle welcomes prompt resolution

Source: Alinghi Following today’s hearing, Justice Herman Cahn of the New York Supreme Court, reserved his decision on the litigation brought by the Golden Gate Yacht Club against the Société Nautique de Genève, the America’s Cup defending yacht club, over the validity of the Challenger of Record, Club Náutico Español de Vela.
Justice Cahn allowed the parties to argue their positions and he focused his questions on the legitimacy of Club Náutico Español de Vela as Challenger of Record under the Deed of Gift.
Alinghi General Counsel Hamish Ross comments: “We are happy with the way the hearing went and look forward to a result. The argument is a technical one. It is a straight out legal interpretation of the Deed of Gift.”
Justice Cahn indicated he would issue a written decision which is expected in the coming weeks.
Société Nautique de Genève remains firm on the demands of BOR, a team which is still not party to the event and who has repeatedly tried to shift the focus from the validity of CNEV to a multitude of items linked to the Protocol and the Rules.
This said the SNG is still in communication with BOR and would welcome an appropriate resolution to allow the parties to move forward with the 33rd America’s Cup.


Source: Golden Gate Yacht Club The Golden Gate Yacht Club said today it welcomed the prospect of a speedy court ruling in resolving the issues surrounding the protocol for the next America’s Cup.
After a hearing in the New York State Supreme Court where Justice Herman Cahn said he would deliver his decision soon, the club’s spokesman, Tom Ehman, said the American team had presented a strong case that the Club Náutico Español de Vela (CNEV) challenge was invalid and the new protocol unfairly advantaged the defender.
“We were very pleased with today,” Ehman said. “Justice Cahn understands the issues. He said he would rule soon which is what we have sought from the start.”

Beside this statements GGYC published today on their webpage a copy of the 7 signed letters from challengers complaining about the 33rd protocol

Crazy Day

Photo (c) Chris Cameron

What a Crazy day, big wind shifts up to almost 70 degrees. The racing area in fron of Valencia is challenging for the remaining fours.

Results of the day:
Team New Zealand 1

Desafio Espanol o

Luna Rossa 1

BMW Oracle Racing 0

It seems to be in Hauraki gulf with this kind of wind. The big surprise of today is the way BMW Oracle lost against Luna Rossa. This is the second loss from Larry's guys; all the eyes are on them now to see how they go ahead.

The match between ETNZ and Desafio was close until the end this keeps the race interesting.
Do Karol will be able to beat Dean, he is a strong helmsman and is performing well under pressure. Let's see what's happening tomorrow.