More agreement between challengers

An update from Alinghi about the Competitor Meeting held today in Geneva

A large majority of the teams entered in the 33rd America’s Cup today achieved another milestone in the process of getting the event back on the water during a second Competitor Meeting at the Société Nautique de Genève in Switzerland.

Ten of the 12 entered challengers present at the meeting, along with the Defender Alinghi, expressed a unanimous will to work together constructively towards a class rule and regulations that satisfy all entered competitors.

Amongst other topics, it was agreed that:

• The Arbitration Panel be expanded to five members, with the two additional members being appointed by all the entered competitors through a democratic process
• The Race Committee has been agreed by all the entered competitors
• Other America’s Cup Race Officials, the Technical Director and Umpires will be selected following a similar process amongst ISAF officials
• Two pre-regattas will be organised in 2009 before the 33rd America’s Cup in 2010

All participants at today’s meeting expressed their satisfaction with the process and their confidence in ongoing plans progressing towards a 33rd America’s Cup. They also urged BMW Oracle Racing once again to drop their lawsuit and enter this process.

The next Competitor Meeting is scheduled for December.

The entered teams present at today’s Competitor Meeting were:

• Alinghi, Société Nautique de Genève, Switzerland – Defender of the 33rd America’s Cup
• Desafío Español, Club Náutico Español de Vela, Spain – Challenger of Record
• Shosholoza, Royal Cape Yacht Club, South Africa
• TeamOrigin, Royal Thames Yacht Club, United Kingdom
• Emirates Team New Zealand, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, New Zealand
• Green Comm, Challenge Circolo di Vela Gargano, Italy
• Ayre, Real Club Náutico de Dénia, Spain
• Victory Challenge, Gamla Stans Yacht Sällskap, Sweden
• Argo Challenge, Club Náutico di Gaeta, Italy
• French Spirit, Yacht Club de St Tropez, France
• Carbon Challenge