33rd America’s Cup: The Cup remains in Valencia

Less than one month after the defenders Alinghi's victory, their Yacht Club and ACM have announced that they have reached an accord with the Spanish central government, the Valencian regional government and the Valencian city government. The press conference was held in the presence of Ernesto Bertarelli, head of Alinghi, Michel Bonnefous, President of ACM, Rita Barbera, Mayoress of Valencia, Elena Salgado, minister of Public Administration and finally Francisco Camps, President of the Valencian Region.

The event, the 33rd America’s Cup, will take place from May until July 2009. Two series of pre regattas will be organized outside of Valencia, in 2008. The first event will be in July in Valencia, and two following events will be in autonomous European venues. The pre regattas will be run in current boats, version 5, those used for the 32nd America’s Cup.

Four teams have officially already come forward to challenge for the 33rd America’s Cup. The challenger of record, El Desafio Español, (disputed by Oracle), Team Shosholoza, the South African Team, Team Origin, the new English Team and Team New Zealand. New Zealand Team has been announced as the fourth competitor as of this date and was the team defeated by Alinghi during the 32nd edition.

On their side, Ernesto Bertarelli has confirmed Wednesday in Valencia that a new sail boat class will be used for the next edition. Its dimensions will be published on the 31st of October 2007.

For his part, Ernesto Bertarelli, has made major efforts to limit sailing to a two boat team and the participation of Alinghi in the "Selection Series. Outside of that, he indicated that the challengers will be fully consulted as far as the new rule.

It is a long awaited announcement, especially for the teams who wish to put in order their battle plans for an event which will arrive very soon. It is only a year… the race has begun!

Fdb- July 20th 2007