Our contacts in Valencia are keeping us posted on the latest news. Although the two teams continue their (sometimes secret) negotiations, our sources bet that they will continue to fail to reach mutual consent and that the Match will go forward with the first race on Monday, February 8th.

GGYC sent a letter to SNG yesterday (Dec 22) claiming that Alinghi's sails are made in Nevada (by North) and therefore do not comply with the "constructed in the country" language of the Deed of Gift.

SNG replied today (Dec 23) with their own letter, stating that the sails are constructed in Switzerland.

Link to the GGYC letter here.
Link to the SNG reply here.

Of course, the pundits are now discussing how the word "constructed" will be interpreted.

And, the real wags have noticed that the Deed of Gift says: "...with a yacht or vessel propelled by sails only and constructed in the country..." Doesn't say anything about wings, does it?

In spite of the wrangling, we still expect to see these spectacular boats racing on February 8 off Valencia. We hope you will join us!