Tuesday, December 9, 2008

For the Record...

Alinghi statement regarding BMW Oracle's decision not to enter the 33rd America's Cup and to pursue its legal strategy

Yesterday's announcement by BMW Oracle and Golden Gate Yacht Club is not a surprise as they have never shown any interest in joining the competition alongside the 14 teams, currently officially entered. Instead, at every turn, they have chosen to insist on pursuing their selfish legal strategy.

Their latest letter shows a tremendous arrogance and lack of respect for the teams involved in the process of working with Société Nautique de Genève (SNG) and Alinghi to organise the 33rd America's Cup. Despite never making it to the final rounds of the competition, BMW Oracle disregards the importance and competence of TeamOrigin, a British team representing the country that first created the competition in 1851; Team New Zealand, a two time winner of the America's Cup; Desafío Español, whose country hosted the successful 32nd America's Cup in Valencia; plus a winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup and a dozen other teams from around the world.

While it's disappointing that BMW Oracle has chosen to proceed with the legal route instead of joining the collective process, SNG and Alinghi are committed to working with all these entered teams to organise a multi-challenge event while waiting for the final ruling from the Court of Appeals. - http://www.alinghi.com/