Challenger of Record, Club Nautico di Roma, and Golden Gate Yacht Club-supported BMW Oracle Racing met in Rome "with a heavy emphasis on a new era of co-operation" for the America’s Cup. This year’s Cup, between BMW Oracle and Alinghi off the coast of Valencia in February, was dominated by a protracted legal battle.
The two organisations outlined four key goals to revamp the event: new rules and independent professional management to give an equal opportunity to all teams; a new class of fast boats created in conjunction with all teams; regular racing in multiple venues under neutral race management in a bid to become attractive to commercial partners; and a complete transformation of television and online coverage.
“Diktat has been replaced by discussion, confrontation by consultation,” said Russell Coutts, representing GGYC. “Our minds and our ears are open. We are receptive to ideas.”
The venue of the 34th America’s Cup is set to be confirmed by the end of this year, with 2013 and 2014 named as the most likely dates. Coutts added that San Francisco, long-mooted as the likely host of the event, presents a strong case, but added that other American and European venues could come into play.
