New Zealander Russell Coutts, the most dominant skipper in America's Cup history, will not try for a fourth straight title in the 2007 regatta as part of a settlement with the Alinghi syndicate.

Coutts was fired by the Swiss group last July after falling out with syndicate head Ernesto Bertarelli over the defence of the cup in Valencia, Spain.

The case between Coutts and Bertarelli had been before the review board of the International Sailing Federation. But Alinghi released a statement on Thursday saying that Coutts and Bertarelli "have amicably settled their disagreements".

As part of this settlement, "Russell Coutts shall not sail for another team in the 32nd America's Cup."

Coutts confirmed the announcement but said he was barred from elaborating. "Both sides agreed not to say anything," he explained.