An adviser to the sheik of Ras al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, filed a brief in a New York court this week countering claims by US challenger BMW Oracle Racing that the Persian Gulf port is not a safe venue for the America’s Cup because of its proximity to Iran.

Khater Massaad, the CEO of the Ras al-Khaimah Investment Authority, wrote that RAK is safe and has the infrastructure to host powerhouse sailing teams.

The brief filed with the New York State Supreme Court is in response to BMW Oracle Racing’s motion asking a judge to reject RAK as the port for the 33rd Americas Cup beginning 8 February 2010.
“If we perceived even the slightest threat to the security and success of the 33rd America’s Cup, we would not have pursued this opportunity, as RAK stands to lose the most were there to be any disruption to the event,” Massaad explained.