America's Cup saga continues...

This section of this article is from Sail World. I find Richard always has a very good write up from his point of view. This one will get your head around it a bit better. For the full write up, put this link in your browser. Bridget

http://www.sail-world.com/europe/Gladwells-Line:-Americas-Cup-Decision---Your-call,-Ernesto./55393

Where to from here?

The decision does NOT as some commentators have claimed, mean that a Deed of Gift Challenge sailed in 90ft multihulls will be the outcome of this decision and that the 19 challengers entered under the CNEV Protocol will be excluded from the 33rd America's Cup.

All that is required is for Societe Nautique de Geneve to meet with Golden Gate Yacht Club, as Challenger of Record, and agree under the Mutual Consent provisions of the Deed of Gift to run a multi challenger event in either existing AC V5 yachts or some new class.

Golden Gate have been long on the record as saying that is their preference, Alinghi have been actively working towards that end, and have held six Competitor Meetings to decide the Protocol for the event, the Rule to be used for the event and some announcement of officials.

While there may be some changes and tweaking the substance of what has been already agreed (without the involvement of Golden Gate) should be able to be left in place.

Many will point to the fact that GGYC challenged in a 90ft multihull and that is the yacht that must be used.

Not so. CNEV actually described an AC V5 yacht in its Challenge for the 33rd match and that was definitely not going to be used.

The fate of the America's Cup lies in the hands of Ernesto Bertarelli and his clubs and team.

Take the hard line and insist on meeting Golden Gate YC in a multihull and there will be another round of Court argument and Appeal, which will not be resolved for another two years, plus the 10 months taken from todays date for the match to be held - effectively three years.

Or, he can take the magnanimous line, agree to operate under Mutual Consent and run a multi challenger event, which could be underway in 12 months time (April 2010) with the first preliminary regatta being sailed off Valencia in the months time.

Your call, Ernesto.


by Richard Gladwell, Sail-World.Com 5:49 PM Thu 2 Apr 2009 GMT