The America Cup may be held in the Middle East for the first time in its 158 year history. UK and France media reported that the current cup holder – Swiss team Alinghi and Society Nautique de Geneve have made an agreement with Ras al-Khaimah to hold the race there in February 2010. The cup challenger, San Fransisco based BMW-Oracle, will probably oppose the move.
Alinghi, as cup holder, is required to give the race challenger six months notice about the race course venue – so they must make their choice known by 8 August 2009. More than 80% of the 300,000 people living in Ras al-Khaimah live in one city. If it is chosen as host location for the America Cup, it will be a huge boost. Should the choice be confirmed, it is expected Oracle will quickly appeal to the court to block the Middle East Venue.
