Alinghi ‘regrets’ Oracle snubbed talks to resolve dispute over next America Cup

Alinghi laments Oracle snubbing talks to end spat

GENEVA — America’s Cup winner Alinghi said Thursday it “regrets” that challenger Oracle has rejected its offer to resume talks aimed at resolving a dispute over the next race. Alinghi’s home club, Societe Nautique de Geneve, said it sent a letter to Golden Gate Yacht Club, which backs BMW Oracle Racing, inviting it to discuss the date, venue, race format and participation of other teams in the next race.

“To the SNG’s disappointment, the GGYC responded simply by reminding the defending yacht club of the court hearing scheduled for the 14 May in New York,” the Swiss-based club said.

“The SNG plans to persevere with its appeal to GGYC to join its representatives around a table to discuss these matters face to face. The invitation to negotiate remains open.”

Golden Gate and Alinghi’s home club, Societe Nautique de Geneve, are locked in a long-running legal dispute over the format of the 33rd event.

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Yacht Club has been ordered to tell the Supreme Court of the State of New York at the hearing on May 14 why it hasn’t provided Alinghi with a Custom House registry, which is a measurement certificate for the three-hulled boat it plans to race with.

At the same hearing, Alingi must tell the court why it should not be held in contempt for refusing to comply with an order that its one-on-one showdown against the American crew be held in February.