Alinghi accept German challenge, await BMW Oracle

America's Cup holders Alinghi have accepted a fifth challenger for the 2009 event in Valencia from United Internet Team Germany, the Swiss team said.

They also said they hoped to resolve their dispute with BMW Oracle, who have had their challenge rejected, in time for the Americans to join the meetings to agree on the new rules and boat design for the event.

BMW Oracle owner Larry Ellison is suing Alinghi for what he says are 'unfair' rules for the running of the next America's Cup, and has proposed racing in catamarans.

"If you look at their challenge you would have had to start working before the last event," Alinghi skipper Brad Butterworth told reporters.

"We want to maintain the momentum built up by the success of this year's regatta by holding the next one in two years' time. We couldn't contemplate having a viable catamaran ready for the (preparatory) races next July."

Alinghi said discussions with the other challengers on the new class rules for 90-foot monohulls with unlimited sail area would begin this week. The rules are set to be in place by October 31.

Alinghi general counsel Hamish Ross said: "If BMW Oracle dropped the legal action they would be welcome to help plan the new event and write the new rules." But he stressed that negotiations were continuing and their inclusion was not conditional on them dropping their court case.

BMW Oracle have also challenged the right of newly-established outfit Club Nautico Espanol de la Vela to be designated official challenger for the event.

Alinghi beat Team New Zealand 5-2 at the start of July to retain the America's Cup and agreed to hold the event in Valencia again in 2009.