How about this? For the 2010 edition of the America’s Cup, ditch the yachts and put the presidents of Alinghi and Oracle/BMW in canoes, rowing for their lives away from Valencia’s Mayor Rita Barbera, who will be following them in a motorboat with a shotgun. I’m sure poor Rita would be up for that idea, and it’s something I’d pay to watch.
On again, off again, on again, off again, now in Valencia, now in the United Arab Emirates, now in Australia, perhaps then again in Valencia. Oracle sues Alinghi, who counter sues, or raises a complaint, or files suit, or makes an appeal. Sigh. Trying to follow the legal maneuverings and fickle decision-making of the two teams has been a Sisyphean task.
But now, it looks as though Valencia has won the day. The 33rd edition of the America’s Cup is set to take place in February, 2010. Only Alinghi (the current champion) and Oracle/BMW (the challenger) will be competing in the event that is currently set to run from Feb 8th to the 12th. It won’t be as lucrative a boon to the city as the 32nd edition in 2007, but still… in this economy, every little helps.
Great news for Valencia, especially as Alicante tied up a deal for the Volvo Ocean Race.