America's Cup date confirmed
2008-05-13 12:24
New York - The America's Cup rematch between holders Alinghi of Switzerland and US rival Oracle will be held next March after a New York judge dismissed an Oracle appeal on Monday against Alinghi.
New York Supreme Court Judge Herman Cahn ruled that Oracle can challenge the Swiss syndicate with the match-up expected to take place at Valencia, Spain.
The decision was a victory for Alinghi, which had always said it preferred a duel in the spring of 2009 while Oracle had demanded it be in October, 2008. Oracle had claimed a contract breach by Alinghi.
The 33rd America's Cup had originally been scheduled to be held in Valencia in July 2009 as a traditional multi-boat regatta.
But organisers indefinitely postponed the event last November because of the legal wrangling between Oracle and Alinghi over the Deed of Gift - the protocol setting out the America's Cup rules.
Alinghi successfully defended their crown against Team New Zealand in the 32nd America's Cup last year.
- AFP