Mike Sanderson provided a statement concerning the recently announced 33rd America's Cup Protocol.

At the protocol press conference on Thursday, Alinghi's President, Ernesto Bertarelli, was asked to comment on the circumstances surrounding Team Origin's purchase of SUI 75 in light of the introduction of a larger specification vessel for the 33rd final regatta, responding "Team Origin were made aware of the possibility of the class change before they bought SUI 75 and there is a clause in the contract that states this possibility."

Here some excerpts of the TeamOrigin Team Director Mike Sanderson statement.

"The new America’s Cup class gives Team Origin the opportunity to compete on a level playing field with all the other Challengers", Mike Sanderson reacted. "These bigger boats will require completely new concepts for yacht design, such as the sliding keel, and our designers will be among the first to push the new rule to its limits to give us a competitive platform. The new class should create faster sailing and a more exciting spectacle".

"We were always aware of the possibility of a design rule change (as were all teams)", he added. "And we remain confident that our purchase of SUI 75 provides a valuable asset as a training boat and will be used in the preliminary regattas."

"We look forward to a resolution on a number of outstanding issues but firmly believe that the Cup will continue to grow both in terms of competitors and popularity and are excited about putting together a successful campaign to win the America’s Cup."