The last cup is only just finished in Valencia, but with the 33rd America’s Cup expected to be held again in Valencia in 2009, there’s no rest for the teams involved. Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), represented by Alinghi has accepted a challenge from the Royal Thames Yacht Club (RTYC), represented by Sir Keith Mills’ new syndicate Team Origin for the next cup.

Team Origin joins two other challengers – Desafio Espanol and Team Shosholoza – that have been accepted since Alinghi completed its successful defence of the 32nd America’s Cup on 3rd July 2007.

Sir Keith Mills commented from London, ‘Team Origin and the RTYC have together challenged for the America’s Cup believing that a Host City, a full regatta programme for the coming seasons and a class rule for the new boat to be used for the 33rd America’s Cup Match will shortly be announced. TEAMORIGIN further believes that several other teams will challenge in the coming weeks and months following these announcements.’

Photo: Carlo Borlenghi