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Shoholoza Welcomes Court Ruling as it Ends Uncertainty Around America's Cup

March 19, 2008


SHOSHOLOZA WELCOMES COURT RULING AS IT ENDS UNCERTAINTY AROUND AMERICA'S CUP

Team Shosholoza managing director Captain Salvatore Sarno has welcomed last night's New York State Supreme Court ruling in respect of an ongoing America's Cup dispute as it ends more than eight months of uncertainty around sailing's premier event.

"The decision of Judge Cahn, whether right or not, has finally ended this long period of uncertainty which was killing the fighting spirit of all the teams," said Captain Sarno.

Finally the dense fog which was enveloping the America's Cup has disappeared and we can see through and prepare our program.

"It is pity to see that once more the power of few - but with an enormous fortune -- has dictated the will of many -- with a lot of passion but no money. But, let's start. Let's start!" said Sarno.

Justice Herman Cahn issued an order late yesterday confirming his ruling of November 27 last year that America's Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC), represented by BMW Oracle Racing, is the valid challenger of record for the 33rd America's Cup in terms of the America's Cup deed of gift.

Justice Cahn  rejected a bid by America's Cup defending yacht club, the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), represented by Team Alinghi, that the court's November ruling in favor of GGYC be re-argued.

GGYC will now replace the Club Náutico Español de Vela (CNEV), represented by Desafío Español, as challenger of record.

In compliance with the complexities of the rules of the historic sailing event first contested in 1851, the 33rd America's Cup will now be a Deed of Gift Match match between BMW Oracle Racing and Team Alinghi alone. The two teams will race head-to-head to determine who wins the world's oldest sport's trophy. A date is still to be decided but it could be as early as July this year.

"Team Shosholoza and any other challengers will now become contenders for a multi-challenge 34th America Cup which will be held in the 2011. We believe this will most probably be in Valencia, Spain," said Captain Sarno.


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