Measurements. "Gentleman, Fill Your Tanks"!

USA, Golden Gate YC Statement:
Competitors will be able to use water ballast in the coming 33rd America’s Cup commencing in Valencia on Monday, provided that the amount used to benefit performance is also in position when the boat is measured.

This verdict of the International Jury was made tonight following a hearing in Valencia. “It puts the onus on the measurer to guarantee that the amount and location of ballast aboard for measurement is solely to enhance performance, not circumvent the waterline requirements of the Deed of Gift,” said GGYC spokesman Tom Ehman.

The Deed of Gift sets an absolute limit of 90ft on the load waterline (LWL) for single-masted vessels. “This means Alinghi might squeeze under the 90ft limit for measurement, release the ballast and then may race a boat longer than 90ft LWL,” Ehman said. “We don’t fully agree with the decision, but GGYC accepts it, and are ready to race.”

Alinghi Statement:
The ISAF International Jury for the America's Cup issued an interim decision late Tuesday night rejecting the challenger, BMW Oracle's latest complaint regarding the position and volume of the water ballast onboard the racing yachts during measurement.

“We are pleased that the jury upheld the New York Supreme Court and expert panel decision of November 2009. This is a positive step towards the America's Cup -- we are glad that measurement can go ahead as scheduled and that the challenger's request for redress has been denied. With just a few days to go before the first race of the 33rd America's Cup, the team is fully focused on race training and preparations,” said Grant Simmer, Alinghi design team coordinator.