Golden Gate and SNG React to NY Supreme Court Hearing

July 21, 2009

Alinghi Statement:

New York, NY -- Brad Butterworth, Alinghi team skipper, gives a statement following today's hearing before Justice Kornreich in the NY Supreme Court: "It's good that Justice Kornreich denied the Golden Gate Yacht Club's (GGYC) request to hold the America's Cup defending yacht club, Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), in contempt of court, but it doesn't come as a surprise because there were no grounds for such an action.

Justice Kornreich showed a great deal of knowledge of the file and the case and while she reserved her decision, she made it crystal clear that the provisions of the Deed of Gift put no restriction on yacht design. She also asked both sides to return to the mediation that the GGYC halted with this new litigation attempt.

We are ready and willing to continue discussions with them and will work on providing clarity with regards the 33rd America's Cup as far as rules and measurement procedures go; always within the framework of the Deed of Gift and SNG's rules. We are determined to get the competition on the water and out of the courtroom once and for all."
 

GGYC Statement:

New York, NY -- We are pleased that the Court will provide clarity on the rules before we complete our challenging vessel for America’s Cup 33.

The Court reserved her decision whether an engine and moveable ballast can be used. Justice Kornreich understood that we need to know the rules before we can complete our challenging vessel and then submit our Custom House Registry (CHR).

The Defender was compelled to turn over to the Court the secret agreement with International Sailing Federation (ISAF).

On questioning from the Court, Société Nautique de Genève (SNG) agreed to return to mediation, a process we have supported throughout our challenge.

We look forward to Justice Kornreich’s decision in the next few weeks, and to racing for the America’s Cup in February 2010.
 

For additional background, please go to:

BMW Oracle/GGYC: Golden Gate YC web site

Alinghi Web Site: www.alinghi.com