America’s Cup champ Alinghi fights back in court less than 3 weeks before racing is to start

America’s Cup yachts still tied up in legal fight

The America’s Cup is still being contested in court less than three weeks before the yachts are to begin their showdown in Spain.

America’s Cup champion Alinghi of Switzerland is taking on U.S. challenger BMW Oracle Racing in New York State Supreme Court.

Alinghi says the sails for its 90-foot catamaran are legal under the 19th-century document governing the race. Yachts must be constructed in the team’s country of origin. Alinghi says its sails are built in Switzerland, using a template built in Nevada. Alinghi wants BMW Oracle Racing’s boat disqualified because the Americans added a radical wing sail.

The best-of-3 series between the giant multihulls is to start Feb. 8.