Today one of the largest Swiss newspapers punkt.ch published an interview with Russell Coutts talking about the cup, Juerg Kaufmann has translated it into English on matchrace.ch , some excerpts:
PC: How realistic do you see the chance that there will be an agreement with Alinghi to run the 33rd Cup as previously planned in 2009
Coutts:We think it is realistic, but we need to move quickly. The challengers and ourselves all want to race in Valencia in 2009. But to get started we need certainty, and that's why it will be important to complete a mutual consent challenge as soon as possible.
PC: In case of no agreement this means no challenger series, what would this mean for the sailing sport?
Coutts:That is up to Alinghi. We want a multiple challenger event, but as defender they are within their rights to reject a mutual consent challenge. If that happens a two-boat race is inevitable under the rules. It is however not our preference as we want to race a conventional America's Cup in Valencia in 2009, with as many challengers as possible.
PC: In this case the cup will be sailed on catamarans? If yes who would benefit of?
Coutts: We will see when - if - we get there. This would certainly not be good for the challengers. I think the entire event suffers from the current situation. It's not good for anybody. It's really time to move on and seriously discuss the future of the event.
www.matchrace.ch and
punkt.ch/inland/uebersicht/artikel-detailseite.html?no_cache=1&newsid=13451
