The defender comments

Alinghi issue statement over 33rd America's Cup postponement

Alinghi comment on the postponement of the 33rd America's Cup:

Alinghi is disappointed that AC Management has been forced to make this decision, we had been working hard towards a 2009 event, but we understand the logistical and financial realities resulting from the uncertainty created by BMW Oracle’s law suit. We also understand the importance of running the next event to the same high standard as the 32nd America’s Cup for sailing fans worldwide and for our partners who shared with us the great excitements of the last edition.

Alinghi is now considering various scenarios for a Cup held in Valencia in either 2010 or 2011 and the implications for the team, together with planning a technical and sailing programme that will bring us to a successful defence of the Cup.

Grant Simmer, Alinghi design team coordinator, comments on the latest development: “It is very disappointing to all of us at Alinghi that BMW Oracle has chosen not to enter the event based on the conditions that we have agreed with all the entered competitors and have instead chosen to continue to hold the event to ransom by means of their court action. We look forward to the end of this uncertainty and to being able to get started with our plans to defend the America’s Cup.”