Alinghi press ahead with America's Cup plans

Holders Alinghi all but finalised the rules for the next America's Cup at a meeting in Geneva on Friday, despite continued legal wrangling with US rivals BMW Oracle.

Following the meeting of the 16 teams signed up for the next edition, Alinghi said they planned to publish the rules known as the 'protocol' this week.

The holders said discussions over the type of boats to be used were due to be finalised by the end of January.

"We have basically reached an agreement over the changes for the next edition," Alinghi said in a statement.

"The teams are continuing to work together for a match to take place in Valencia as quickly as possible, either in 2010 or 2011.

"The teams also agreed to hold three America's Cup events in Valencia in 2009, regardless of the outcome of the appeals process being undertaken by BMW Oracle in New York."

The next America's Cup was originally due to take place in 2009 but was put on hold after BMW Oracle challenged the legality of the Spanish team recognised by Alinghi as the official challengers.

The challengers are traditionally involved with the holders in setting up the rules for the subsequent edition of the race.

BMW Oracle's latest appeal is expected to be heard on February 10 with a ruling due by the end of March.

Alinghi said yesterday the deadline for signing up to the next edition would expire tomorrow.

"We are not in agreement with BMW Oracle's legal strategy and still hope they will sign up for the 33rd America's Cup before Monday's deadline," Alinghi said in a statement issued jointly with the teams attending the Geneva meeting.

"Regardless of their decision we have to continue our preparations for a multi-challenger event and are now looking forward to getting back on the water to race again this summer."