The Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC) – Challenger for the 33rd America’s Cup – has lodged Contempt of Court proceedings against Defender, Societe Nautique de Geneve (SNG) over dates.

SNG, in a letter to GGYC, declared that the next edition of the America’s Cup will take place in May 2010, whereas the New York Supreme Court had ordered a date three months earlier in February. Sources close to SNG claim that the later date is consistent with the requirements of the Deed of Gift – for a ‘Defence in the Northern Hemisphere’.

A statement issued by GGYC reads:

“At Golden Gate Yacht Club’s request, the Supreme Court of the State of New York today issued an order directing the defender, Société Nautique de Genève, to show cause why it should not be held in contempt of court.

SNG has refused to comply with the Court’s April 7, 2009 Order and Judgment concerning the dates for the next America’s Cup match.

The court scheduled a hearing for May 14, 2009 at 0930.”

GGYC spokesman Tom Ehman added: “By forcing litigation over our rightful challenge, they [SNG] have already managed to delay the match from July 2008 to February 2010. Now they seek another three-month delay, in defiance of the Court’s clear mandate. Enough is enough.”