Oracle seeks legal ruling over Alinghi's sails

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 yesterday.

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 US. 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.