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The latest evolution of the America’s Cup legal case has today seen Justice Andrias from the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court ruling in favour of the Defender Société Nautique de Genève’s (SNG) request to expedite the appeal process with all briefing to be completed by 15 May 2008. Oral arguments will then be heard during the June term hopefully followed by a prompt decision.

Justice Andrias also decided that SNG’s request for a stay should be referred for consideration by a five-judge panel of the Appellate Division. Briefing on the stay motion will be completed by 25 April 2008.

Lucien Masmejan, lead counsel for the SNG, commented, "We are pleased with this decision and feel that it confirms that our decision to appeal was correct and taken at the appropriate time. The decision of Justice Andrias to expedite the appeal process was hugely significant to us as it means that the case will be fast tracked through the appeal process enabling us to return the America’s Cup to the water without further delays."

"We look forward to addressing the matter of staying the case before the five Justices from the Appellate Division in due course as it is important to ensure that significant sums of money and resources are not wasted upon preparing for a defense that is voided before we take to the water."