Legal fight leads to a new series

DUBAI // Legal arguments may have denied UAE residents the chance to see the America's Cup off our shores, but yesterday's announcement that part of the Louis Vuitton Trophy will be held in Dubai ensures top-level sailing in the country. The 33rd America's Cup is likely to be held in Valencia, Spain next month after the challengers BMW Oracle successfully got the venue changed from Alinghi's choice of Ras al Khaimah.

As holders, Alinghi felt they had every right to choose the emirate as a venue but were overruled, after plenty of arguments, by a New York Supreme Court judge. It is this kind of fight - in a courtroom, rather than the open water - that has led to the creation of the Luis Vuitton Trophy, according to Paul Cayard, chairman of the World Sailing Team Association (WSTA). "We can't sit around and wait for who knows what to happen when we all have great aspirations with our teams," he said.

"We would like to race in the America's Cup, that is really the main ambition. But we need to keep our teams active and keep sponsors involved. "We cannot stay like this for years and years, waiting for a solution to come from somewhere. We have decided to be pragmatic, to be active and give a chance to the best teams to fight on the waters." Dubai is one of the chosen venues for the event, and will be hosting the world's best sailors and four 85ft long America's Cup Class yachts from November 13 to 28.

The first regatta was held in Nice, France, in November, with Auckland, New Zealand, and La Maddalena, Italy hosting events before Dubai. The series finishes in Hong Kong next year. The Dubai leg of the Trophy will start the Sea Dubai Watersports Festival, which concludes on December 11. @Email:[e-mail]