New York, 2 April 2008 - At a
New York Supreme Court hearing, Justice Herman Cahn heard arguments from
both the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG) and the Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC)
regarding dates for the 33rd America's Cup. SNG requested that he set a date
allowing for the 10-month notice period as stipulated in the Deed of Gift
that starts when the court order was entered. Justice Cahn indicated that he
would issue a new court order that sets the dates for a Deed of Gift Match.
Lucien Masmejan, SNG lead counsel, issued the following statement: “We
believe Justice Cahn was receptive to our arguments that there is a tolling
period during the legal process that suspends preparations towards an
America’s Cup Match until a court order is issued. The Deed of Gift
stipulates a 10-month notice period which should be suspended during the
legal procedure, therefore the only feasible date for this competition is
after 1 May 2009 due to the restrictions for racing in the Northern
Hemisphere imposed by the Deed. It is unfortunate that we do not yet have a
date for the 33rd America's Cup as this means we are still not in a position
to properly prepare our defense. Justice Cahn agreed that the fight for the
America’s Cup must be on the water in a proper sporting competition and not
in court. We hope for a favorable outcome shortly.”