AUGUST 5, 2009

A sign of the times

The America's Cup is moving to the Middle East. The venue chosen is the little known emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, one of the United Arab Emirates. The defending Societe Nautique de Geneve, which enters the Alinghi team, says that the port has been chosen because of the good weather and because of the support that has been pledged by the local ruler Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammad al-Qassimi. The plan is for an island to built to house the teams, sponsors and fans. The contest will be between Larry Ellison's BMW Oracle Racing launched BMW Oracle Racing 90, a 90-foot trimaran, and Alinghi's 90-foot catamaran.