Justice Kornreich of the New York Supreme Court has informed the America’s Cup defending yacht club, Société Nautique de Genève, and the challenging Golden Gate Yacht Club via telephone conference that she will not hear the American challenger’s complaint regarding the ‘constructed in country’ requirement of the Deed of Gift before the 33rd America’s Cup Match which is scheduled to begin on 8 February.

“This is excellent news,” said Ernesto Bertarelli . “We are delighted that BMW Oracle’s attempts to disqualify Alinghi and to win the America’s Cup in court have been denied. We look forward to meeting them on the start line here in Valencia on 8 February to race for the Cup; something they can no longer try to avoid.”

BMW Oracle and the Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC), having campaigned to have the issue resolved before the racing stared, were not so upbeat.

‘It is unfortunate that the legality of Alinghi’s American-made sails probably will not be decided before the Match,’ said Tom Ehman, spokesman for GGYC. ‘However, it will be decided eventually.’

While on the face of it Justice Kornreich’s announcement puts an end to the uncertainty in the last week before the event gets under way, the issue looks set to throw the America’s Cup into further array should Alinghi win and BMW Oracle persue their case that the Swiss teams sails were illegal. 

Meanwhile, if you’re still just interested in the boats, take a look at another video of BMW Oracle USA17 which includes some great helicopter footage.

YW PREVIEW SPECIAL
Check out our previews to the Cup as published in the January and February 2010 issues of Yachting World now available in pdf format and available free online.

CLICK HERE -AC33 PREVIEW – THE BOATS

CLICK HERE – AC33 PREVIEW PART 2 – TEAM TALK

CLICK HERE – AC33 PREVIEW PART 3 – COURSES AND CONDITIONS

YW VIDEO CLIPS
See BMW Oracle hit 25 knots in 6-8 knots of wind

Take a video tour around Alinghi

Russell Coutts gives a guided tour of the giant wing

OFFICIAL SITE
Official 33rd America’s Cup Site

AERIAL VIEW OF THE HARBOUR
Aerial view of Darsena and commercial harbours

HOW TO GET TO AMERICA’S CUP VENUE

To Valencia by Air:

The easiest way is to fly to Valencia and then take a taxi. Approx cost of taxi to harbour, €20

See www.valenciaport.com for more information

Unfortunately, at this time of year there are fewer direct flights to Valencia than during the summer season. Therefore an alternative route is to fly to Alicante and either take the train or hire a car. Driving takes approx 2 hours and car rental is cheap.

To harbour from Valencia train station:

A taxi from the train station is about a 20-minute ride.

By car:

Heading to Valencia on the A7 toll motorway, connect to the V-15 or V-30 to the port, which is signposted.