Schümann- America’s Cup has to take place in 2009

by United Internet Team Germany on 4 Oct 2007
Team Germany boss, Jochen Schümann, says Team Germany is on schedule, and is structuring its team for the 33rd America’s Cup, whch he says must take place in 2009 as previously announced.

Schümann: 'We have accepted the challenge to race in a new boat class, the AC90 class, in the summer of 2009 in Valencia. Our new designer team is forming within the next few days at the team base in Valencia in order to design the first 90ft America’s Cup Yacht according to the new rules and to then build it in Germany.'

Team Germany registered on the basis of the recent protocol in July 2007, which was concluded between the Yacht Club Societe Nautique Geneve (SNG) representing Alinghi and the Spanish yacht club CNEV. Michael Scheeren, CEO of the German Challenge: 'We are expecting more protocol details from the America’s Cup Management in the next couple of days. We are prepared to accept changes. Everybody has to aim at the creation of attractive rules for all participating teams and sailing fans.'

Team Germany is convinced that the America’s Cup is strong enough to solve all problems in the established bodies with the defender Alinghi, all other teams as well as with the event organizer ACM. Despite the civil law suit of the Golden Gate Yacht Club and BMW Oracle Racing against Alinghi, Team Germany supports all attempts to involve BMW Oracle Racing in the existing circle of challengers.

Schümann: 'The situation of a possible postponement for the planned 33rd America’s Cup in 2009 would harm the sport and its image worldwide. We are supporting all attempts of an amicable arrangement.'

Jochen Schümann further: 'The proposed boat class in the new protocol underlines the claim of leadership of the America’s Cup in the sailing world. We are expecting fantastic races in the sailing arena off Valencia in 2009.'