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Reactions From The Syndicates
* After several weeks of waiting, K-Challenge welcomes the decision of the New York State Supreme Court and Judge Cahn with satisfaction, since everything will be ruled on the water regarding the case which opposed Alinghi, the Defender, and BMW Oracle Racing, the confirmed Challenger of Record.

Thus, the 33rd edition of the America’s Cup will be a duel between these two teams in multihulls, and will take place in 2008 or 2009.

That is to say, the next competition with selections between challengers (the 34th edition) will probably take place in 2011, in Valencia, as announced by Alinghi and BMW Oracle Racing.

Yesterday evening’s breaking news was also welcomed with enthusiasm by all the America’s Cup and sports community, and it makes it now possible for K-Challenge to come up for the second time as a French challenger for the 34th America’s Cup.

K-Challenge has started to work in all fields for several months with an intact determination in order not to waste time, in spite of the bounces which happened in the event lately.

The team has been working for several months, and the next stage will allow on March 27 to introduce the details of its programme and its key members who will be the heart of the French challenger K-Challenge. It will also be the perfect opportunity for the team to introduce with pride its first sponsor who chose to support K-Challenge with this new project.

* Team Shosholoza managing director Captain Salvatore Sarno has welcomed last night’s New York State Supreme Court ruling in respect of an ongoing America’s Cup dispute as it ends more than eight months of uncertainty around sailing’s premier event.

“The decision of Judge Cahn, whether right or not, has finally ended this long period of uncertainty which was killing the fighting spirit of all the teams, ” said Captain Sarno.

“Finally the dense fog which was enveloping the America’s Cup has disappeared and we can see through and prepare our programme.

“It is pity to see that once more the power of few - but with an enormous fortune - has dictated the will of many - with a lot of passion but no money. But, let’s start. Let’s start!” said Sarno.

* Emirates Team New Zealand managing director Grant Dalton said today Justice Cahn’s decision was the best possible outcome for the team and for all challengers.

“The way is open for the America’s Cup to get back on track with a multi-challenge America’s Cup at a date to be decided.

“We are getting some clarity at last,” Dalton said.

Dalton said: “Alinghi has issued a statement saying they welcomed an event in July 2009. This is a smokescreen because we assume that Alinghi will not be ready in July 2008. It is in Alinghi’s interests to try to push the event into 2009.

“We assume that BMW Oracle has factored a July 2008 date into their build programme so it is in their interests to race as soon as possible.”

“We have known for many months that whatever way the Oracle/Alinghi legal action was determined, the 33rd America’s Cup would be a one-on-one Deed of Gift challenge.

“Emirates Team New Zealand’s strategy has been to stay strong and prepare for the 34th America’s Cup which will be a multi-challenge event. We have kept the team going throughout this time so that we can respond quickly when the time comes.

“Design work has continued throughout this hiatus. Members of the sailing team will be racing together in major northern hemisphere regattas this year.

“When we have a date for the 34th America’s Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand will be in good shape.”

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This entry was posted on Saturday, March 22nd, 2008 at 3:36 pm and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.