Valencia's mayor: We are ready to close a deal for an AC in July 2010

The Spanish news agency EFE reported this Wednesday that Valencia's mayoress, Rita Barberá, stated she was ready to close a deal for the 33rd America's Cup. This is of course excellent news for Valencia Sailing but such kind of statements should be taken with a pinch of salt. Ms Barberá might have all the willingness to repeat the oldest sport trophy in her city but the judges in Abany still have to decide, as does the Spain's central government in Madrid.

Here's the translation of her statement, as reported by the news agency:

Valencia's mayoress, Rita Barberá, explained that after her meeting with the president of Valencia's regional government, Francisco Camps, both are ready and willing to close the deal in order for the 33rd America's Cup to be held in the city.

“Pending the judge's will, we are both willing to close the deal as soon as possible”, explained the mayoress, who also reminded that in order for the sailing event to be held in Valencia, it is necessary to have the backing of at least two of the three public administrations of the city: The City Hall, the Regional Government and the central Government.

"For us it is already mentally here", commented Barberá referring to Camps and herself, and told journalists to ask the central government's Vice President, María Teresa Fernández de la Vega, "when she comes", whether she also agrees.

“We have the will to support the celebration of the 33rd America's Cup in Valencia with all the boats and teams possible and it should take place in July 2010, with two pre-regattas in 2009 as offered by Alinghi", she concluded.