America's Cup: Challenger initiates Construction Origin issue

6:05 PM Tue 22 Dec 2009 GMT

'Alinghi 5is claimed to be using sails constructed in USA' Guido Trombetta/Team Alinghi

The much expected Constructed in Country discussion has kicked off in the ongoing saga of the 33rd America's Cup.

The issue harks back to the 19th century Deed of Gift which requires that the vessel be 'constructed in the country to which the Challenging Club belongs'.

It has not really been determined if the same rule applies to the Defending club, and it is believed that the Defender has beens using sails constructed in the North 3DL manufacturing facility in Minden, Nevada.

This morning (NZT) the Challenger, Golden Gate Yacht Club released an Open Letter addressed to the Societe Nautique de Geneve:

'Valencia, December 22, 2009 - America's Cup defender Soci?t? Nautique de Gen?ve has been asked if Alinghi 5 will meet the event's nationality rules.

'In a letter today to SNG, GGYC Commodore Marcus Young wrote, 'We find the Deed to be clear and unambiguous. It requires that the yacht, including its hull, appendages, mast and sails, be constructed in the country of the club it represents. We have gone to great lengths to comply with the Deed in all respects, including 'constructed-in-country,' and expect that your Club will do so as well.'

'Alinghi 5 has been sailing continually with sails made at Minden, Nevada in the USA.

'Absent agreement on the constructed-in-country interpretation, the five-member International Jury recently appointed by the International Sailing Federation would be asked to rule on the matter.

'Both yachts should come to the start 'street-legal.' The sailing world expects this, and wants to know before the Match is sailed, not after. Having the Jury in place allows sailing matters to be dealt with by sailing experts.

'GGYC's objective is that the on-the-water result of the 33rd Match be conclusive. Any remaining contentious issues should be dealt with properly before the Match is sailed. No one wants the outcome of the Match to have a question mark hanging over it.'

The matter is expected to be followed by a protest which will be determined by the International Jury

by Richard Gladwell

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America's Cup: Challenger initiates Construction Origin issue

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