Oracle to fire next salvo

An argument has been raging since the rules for the 2009 event in Valencia were outlined in July, shortly after Alinghi successfully defended sailing's most prestigious prize.

BMW Oracle, who along with other challengers argued the rules gave the Swiss team an unfair advantage and too much power, are now preparing a counter-proposal with their home Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC) for Alinghi.

"The senior management of GGYC are meeting to finalise the details of a constructive proposal that we'll soon be putting on the table to try and resolve this as soon as possible," a BMW Oracle spokeswoman said.

If Alinghi and BMW Oracle do not settle their differences this week, Oracle's case is due to be heard in a New York court next Monday. The legal process could then drag on for ages.

Alinghi and its organising body ACM have already taken several steps to sort out the spat, clarifying some of the umpiring rules and giving challengers more say in the design of the new 90-foot boats.

ACM has said the uncertainty over the court case has made it very difficult for teams and for the event to sign up sponsors, and has warned it could postpone the regatta.