(Valencia 6 March 2008) Statement from Lucien Masmejan, Alinghi legal counsel:

 

"We are disappointed to learn of this legal action by Emirates Team New Zealand, given their previous public acceptance and commitment to the competition.  

 

These actions are totally without merit, wildly miss the target and will be defended rigorously. We share the sailing community’s frustration in the delays affecting the America’s Cup but Alinghi, as trustee, is duty bound to defend its position in the current legal action and to preserve the integrity of the America’s Cup.  

 

We have repeatedly made it clear that Alinghi welcomes a swift court resolution and wants to get the action back on the water as soon as possible."