The 2009 America's Cup was postponed Thursday because of the ongoing legal dispute brought by Oracle.

"The ongoing uncertainty around the conclusion of the New York court case brought by BMW Oracle Racing leaves the organizers no choice but to delay the event, as many indicators demonstrate a lack of viability to stage the event in 2009 to the same standards as the 32nd America's Cup," America's Cup Management said today in a short statement.

"This wasn't something that just fell out of the sky, we were ready for this," America's Cup Management chief executive Michel Hodara said. "Now we have to go back to the drawing board to come up with a new project for the next edition."

The competitors’ entry deadline of 15 December remains valid and for now, ACM, SNG and CNEV await the outcome of the legal process.

"If the New York Supreme Court rules that CNEV is valid and BOR chooses not to appeal the decision, ACM will endeavour to work with the competitors to adapt the existing rules and regulations and put in place a new framework for an event to take place at a later stage in Valencia".

Earlier this week, Alinghi's lawyer Hamish Ross said there was no indication when the court would reach a decision and the event would most likely have to be put off until 2011 as the uncertainty was making it hard for teams to secure much-needed corporate sponsorship.

"Should the US Courts rule against CNEV, SNG will accept the Golden Gate Yacht Club Deed of Gift Challenge and meet them in a vessel, possibly a multihull, in accordance with the terms of the Deed of Gift".

Reactions

Grant Simmer (Alinghi) : "It is very disappointing to all of us at Alinghi that Oracle has chosen not to enter the event based on the conditions that we have agreed with all the entered competitors and have instead chosen to hold the event to ransom by means of their court action. We look forward to the end of this uncertainty and to being able to get started with our plans to defend the America's Cup".

BMW Oracle : "The decision to postpone the next America’s Cup by Alinghi was unfortunate and unnecessary".

Desafio Español : "Desafío Español observes the decision of AC Management and hopes that this situation can be solved as quickly as possible for the sake of the competition and all parties involved".

Sir Keith Mills (Team Origin) : "This is a really sad day for the America’s Cup and a bad day for sport. "Team Origin is as committed to winning the America’s Cup now as ever however with so much uncertainty as to the dates, venue, rules etc., it is difficult for any of the teams to move forward with their plans."

"We can only all hope that common sense will prevail and that over the following days the parties will come to their senses and realise that the offer on the table is a good one for all concerned. If that was to pass then we could all get on with making our respective arrangements for an event in Valencia in either 2010 or 2011. If that doesn’t happen we can only surmise that the greed of one side is only matched by the belligerence of the other."

Grant Dalton (Team NZ) : "It was one of many possibilities considered in our planning processes and have made preparations to ensure the team's viability. Emirates Team New Zealand is in the fortunate position of having strong support from sponsors and the goodwill of team members who want to remain involved. The team will continue to operate as it has since we returned to New Zealand in July."

"We still do not have a firm date and there is the issue of the court case which could affect both venue and date depending on who wins. The team will come together once there is some certainty in the dates and the shape of the 33rd America's Cup is clear."

Jochen Schümann (Team Germany) : "We are extremely disappointed. During the recent weeks, we did our utmost by discussing with all parties to secure the holding of the 33rdAmerica’s Cup in 2009. Unfortunately, we did not succeed. We will keep our Team in Valencia together, to review our strategy and to discuss the latest situation with our business partners."

Stéphane Kandler (K-Challenge) : "The change of dates does not alter anything, concerning our intention to challenge for the next America' s Cup. The organiser had to make a choice, having respect to the dialogue with all involved in the America' s Cup. It is a pity, but it is what happens in the America' s Cup; the events that evolve this competition are often played on "tapis vert".

"We will soon know the new conditions and the new calendar. Concerning K-Challenge, our will is to be a credible outsider in the next edition and that will remains is intact. We will continue our already committed work on the study of the new boat design and the constitution of our team."

Captain Salvatore Sarno (Team Shosholo) : "We will stick to our plans. We want to be ready and on track. I think there will still be one or two America’s Cup class regattas in 2008 and we want to be prepared. Not only that, we want to be the best team there".

“Our design team will continue working to this deadline and we are busy right now drawing up a sail plan for our crew. Nothing has changed".