BMW Oracle have asked the New York supreme court to decide
whether Alinghi are allowed to defend their America's Cup title
with sails made in the United States, the challengers said in a
statement.
The Deed of Gift rules for the competition state that competitors'
yachts must be constructed in the country which they
represent.
Alinghi, who sail under the colours of Societe Nautique de Geneve
(SNG), are based in Switzerland.
"Once again SNG is showing total disregard for the Deed," said CEO
of BMW Oracle Racing, Russell Coutts.
"First SNG claimed that sails were not part of the yacht. Then it
claimed that Alinghi's sails were built in Switzerland, not the
USA.
Now, SNG is saying that 'constructed-in-country' is not relevant
until it announces its yacht for the match.
"Our aim is to make sure the Deed of Gift is upheld, and that the
result of the Match on the water is beyond question."
After talks over the issue broke down in Singapore, BMW Oracle have
asked the New York supreme court to interpret the rules.
The court has already ruled on other matters relating to the
much-disputed race.
BMW Oracle said they expected the court to rule before the first
race for the 33rd edition of the event, which is due to take place
in Valencia on February 8.
