Judge promises early Cup decision

NEW YORK -- Judge Herman Cahn has promised an early decision on the Americas Cup dispute between syndicates Oracle and Alinghi but he also urged them to continue their negotiations.

The 2009 edition of the competition is threatened by the on-going argument.

Representatives of US syndicate Oracle met with those from defending champions Alinghi of Switzerland in New York before the afternoon hearing.

"We had constructive discussions" but "no there is no agreement yet," said a spokeswoman for Oracle, which is represented by the Golden Gate Yacht Club (San Francisco).

A spokeswoman for Alinghi, represented by Societe Nautique de Geneve, said the talks were "useful and constructive" and added they would continue in the wake of the court hearing.

Cahn, who has already received written evidence from both parties, adjourned the case for "a few days."

"We were very pleased with today," said Tom Ehman of Golden Gate Yacht Club. "Justice Cahn understands the issues. He said he would rule soon, which is what we have sought from the start."

The court will have to decide if the protocol for the yacht race is in agreement with the long-standing regulations that govern the race, known as the "deed of gift".

The New York court has has jurisdiction because the Cup was given to the New York Yacht Club in 1887 under the terms of the deed of gift.

Oracle, backed by US billionaire Larry Ellison, believe the protocol adopted by Alinghi, backed by Swiss billionaire Ernesto Bertarelli, is unfairly weighted in the defender's favor.

Alinghi won the right to organize the 33rd America's Cup after it completed a 5-2 victory over Emirates Team New Zealand in Valencia, Spain in July.

So far only five competitors have signed up for the 33rd America's Cup: new British group Team Origin, South Africa's Shosholoza, Team Germany, Desafio Espanol and Team New Zealand. E-mail to a friend