SPORTS AND COURTS
From the moment that the Alinghi team, winner of the 32nd America’s Cup,
presented the Protocol on July 5th for the next event, questions about its
validity in Valencia grew rampant. The date of the event was not stated, nor
was the type of boat defined. Alinghi had labeled the Spanish challenge of
Club Náutico Español de Vela (Desafio Espanol) as the Challenger of Record,
whose role with the defender is to define the rules for the 33rd event.
However, with so much power being bestowed on the defender, and so little
protection being provided to the challengers, the Spanish press attacked,
calling the Club Náutico Español de Vela mere puppets of Alinghi.
Since the Protocol was announced, most of the challengers have met
informally a few days ago in Valencia to share their concerns, and now the
Golden Gate Yacht Club (BMW Oracle Racing team) has officially launched the
first frontal assault. They have submitted notice to the defender’s club,
Societe Nautique de Geneve (SNG), that the Spanish challenge is invalid
based on the terms of the Deed of Gift, and therefore the Protocol is
equally invalid. Among other deficiencies are that the Spanish apparently
formed a club for their challenge only a few days before their challenge was
accepted by SNG, and that it has never held an annual regatta as is required
by the Deed.
While the 32nd America’s Cup was for the most part clear of courtroom drama,
the 33rd rendition looks to be back in the saddle. Here is the letter that
the Golden Gate Yacht Club has presented to SNG that details their position,
and presents themselves on behalf of the BMW Oracle Racing team as the new
Challenger of Record: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/news/07/0712
PS: a destra un modellino in scala della nascente classe Coppa America di 90 piedi..
