The New York Supreme Court yesterday upheld the original ruling made on October 30 that disqualified America’s Cup defender Société Nautique de Genève (SNG)’s choice of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE as venue for the 33rd America’s Cup.

The four-judge panel also upheld the decision to exclude rudders from the measurement of the load waterline length of the race yacht.

“Once again BMW Oracle’s strategy to try to win the America’s Cup in court instead of on the water has been successful,” said Fred Meyer, SNG vice-commodore. “For the first time in the history of the America’s Cup the defender has been stripped of its fundamental right to select the venue. Société Nautique de Genève accepts this decision and Alinghi is looking forward to racing for the America’s Cup on the water in Valencia, Spain in February 2010.”