Dubai:Former America's Cup skipper and CEO of BMW Oracle Racing, Russell Coutts, has urged defenders Alinghi to set up a meeting immediately with the goal of having the next edition in Valencia.
"We again confirm our willingness to sit down immediately with Alinghi for talks to resolve the outstanding issues surrounding the 33rd America's Cup. There is no reason why they should not ask the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) to appoint an independent, neutral jury with the usual duties and powers of an international sailing jury.
"In that way any future disputes involving sailing rules and related issues could be referred to the jury instead of needing to go back before the court," Coutts said in a statement.
On track
He has strongly suggested that the teams shift back to Valencia where the America's Cup was last held in 2007.
"Valencia is the best option to get the America's Cup back on track as soon as possible. This is what sailing fans from around the world are waiting for," Coutts said.
"Both BMW Oracle Racing and Alinghi still have bases in the Port America's Cup. The infrastructure created to the specification of the Swiss defender is in place, available and ready to recreate the atmosphere of the previous America's Cup in 2007," Coutts has added.
Last week, Cristobal Grau, Director of Sport for Valencia City, said it would only take a few weeks to have Valencia back in action. On Wednesday, the Mayor of Valencia, Rita Barbera, said her city would welcome the Cup back with open arms. Alternately, Coutts has asked Alinghi to come up with another venue in the Southern Hemisphere as per the rules.
"We ask the defender to name it as soon as possible so that we have the maximum opportunity to make an informed assessment," he said.
