New York judge orders race for March 2009

The America's Cup match race between holders Alinghi and challenger BMW Oracle is to be held in March 2009, a New York Supreme Court judge ruled on Monday.

Judge Herman Cahn ordered the showdown race to take place in 10 months' time in Valencia, Spain, or any other location chosen by Alinghi's yacht club SNG (Societe Nautique de Geneve) provided it notifies the challenger at least six months ahead.

The judge said SNG and the challenging Golden Gate Yacht Club "may engage in a mutual consent process" and arrange satisfactory dates, courses and rules for the 33rd America's Cup in accordance with the Deed of Gift governing the event.

The judge ruled in November that Oracle should be the challengers of record for the next edition of yachting's biggest prize rather than CNEV, the Spanish club favoured by Alinghi.

"We are pleased that the Court has advanced the process and required the defender to confirm the venue," Golden Gate Yacht Club spokesman Tom Ehman said. "We will now be considering the order to determine our next steps."

The ruling set up a best-of-three head-to-head series for the America's Cup rather than the usual multi-boat competition to determine a challenger.

As challenger, BMW Oracle can name the type of boat to be used for the race and they have said they will opt for large-scale multi-hull boats.

The challengers were pressing to hold the event in October 2008.

Alinghi argued that the preparation time allowed for in the yachting competition's 121-year-old rules should push the date to May 2009 to give them ample time to get ready.