Oracle optimistic of court outcome

US syndicate Oracle has expressed confidence that a New York court will rule in its favour in its America's Cup dispute with Swiss champion Alinghi, but says the decision may not come for several weeks.

The court has been expected to rule this week on whether to confirm an earlier decision in favour of Oracle in the long-standing legal battle opposing the Swiss and US syndicates over the rules of the 33rd edition of yachting's showpiece event.

Oracle is seeking a multi-hull duel in October this year, but Alinghi argues that the challenge presented by the US team mistakenly described the type of yacht in which such a race would be held as a keel boat, and should therefore be ruled invalid.

Alinghi on Monday provided the court with more evidence in support of its challenge.

Oracle spokesman Tom Ehman says they see very little that is new or relevant and they look forward to the confirmation of their challenge soon.

If the court rules in favour of Alinghi, the Swiss syndicate has said it will hold a conventional regatta in the Spanish Mediterranean port of Valencia in 2011, instead of 2009 as originally scheduled.

Source: www.radionz.co.nz