Butterworth welcomes America's Cup decision

Alinghi skipper Brad Butterworth today welcomed a Supreme Court decision declining to hold the America's Cup champion in contempt of court.

AP reported that Justice Shirley Kornreich of the Supreme Court of the State of New York declined to hold Alinghi of Switzerland in contempt of court, and will consider rules clarifications sought by American challenger BMW Oracle Racing.

Justice Kornreich was expected to rule in 10 to 14 days.

She also refused Alinghi's request to disqualify BMW Oracle Racing unless the Americans provided a measurement certificate for their 28-metre trimaran.

The bitter rivals were scheduled to meet in a rare best-of-three showdown on February 8 in a port to be picked by Alinghi.

New Zealander Butterworth said in a statement today that Justice Kornreich's decision was not surprising, as there were no grounds for the action.

"Justice Kornreich showed a great deal of knowledge of the file and the case and while she reserved her decision, she made it crystal clear that the provisions of the Deed of Gift put no restriction on yacht design," he said.

Butterworth said Justice Kornreich had asked both sides to return to the mediation.

"We are ready and willing to continue discussions with them and will work on providing clarity with regards the 33rd America's Cup as far as rules and measurement procedures go.

"We are determined to get the competition on the water and out of the courtroom once and for all."

Butterworth sailed with Russell Coutts through three victorious America's Cup matches, the first two with Team New Zealand and then with Alinghi in 2003.

-NZPA