Yachting ruling may shut NZ out of America's Cup

The traditional match-racing duels of America's Cup regattas may be under threat after this morning's court decision. Photo / Getty Images

The next America's Cup contest could go ahead with Team New Zealand reduced to the role of a spectator.

The New York Court of Appeals has this morning (NZT) ruled in favour of Oracle over Alinghi in a long-running legal fight that will now make Golden Gate Yacht Club the challenger of record for the America's Cup.

And it means the 33rd America's Cup could be a simple head-to-head contest.

The verdict overturns a ruling last year that backed a Spanish club as the official challenger.

Alinghi, represented by the Societe Nautique de Geneve, appeared to finally concede defeat in the legal battle with Oracle, represented by the Golden Gate Yacht Club.

"It has consistently been our view that the America's Cup should be fought on the water," it said in a statement.

"Today through the American courts the Golden Gate Yacht Club has won the right to challenge the Societe Nautique de Geneve. We will now discuss the terms for the regatta with them and will prepare our defence of the 33rd America's Cup."

The decision means the next America's Cup could be decided by a best-of-three multihull duel between two boats - which would mean the exclusion of up to 18 challengers, including Team New Zealand.

Oracle, however, has indicated a willingness to negotiate with Alinghi over the holding of a traditional regatta.

- NEWSTALK ZB