MADRID (AP) — A witness to the failed America’s Cup negotiations between Alinghi and BMW Oracle expects a quick settlement.
David Tillett, chairman of the international jury for the 33rd edition of the race, says the event is not “a dead duck” and he expects the teams to work out their differences in time for the best-of-three series, which starts on Feb. 8.
Tillett told The Associated Press the negotiations went smoothly until the “11th hour,” when one team balked at signing the agreement over the race rules.
BMW Oracle says that Alinghi rejected an agreement at the last minute, while Alinghi claims the Americans broke off the talks.
BMW Oracle took the Swiss champions to court over the construction of its sails, which threatens to push back the start date.