Courts Rule Next America's Cup To Be Held In Valencia

The Supreme Court of the State of New York has unanimously ruled that the 2010 America's Cup will be held in Valencia and not the United Arab Emirates, as was originally intended.

Switzerland’s Team Alinghi, the current holders of the cup wanted the race to take place in Ras al-Khaimah but a court ruling declare that the race must be held in the southern hemisphere or Valencia.

Alinghi appealed against the decision and suggested the east coast of Australia as an alternative before finally agreeing on Spain in February of this year.

The 4-0 Decision at the appeals court has now finally put the matter to rest.

Valencia’s port is deemed acceptable, despite its location in the Northern hemisphere, largely due to the fact that it has the facilities and infrastructure already in place from hosting the event in 2007.

America’s Team Oracle will be challenging bitter rivals Team Alinghi in the 33rd America’s cup, which on this occasion will be a three-leg duel instead of the traditional fully-fledged regatta involving several teams.

A 19th century document which states that the event take could not place in the northern hemisphere between 1 November and 1 May prevented hopes of the race being held in the UAE this time.