America's Cup - International Jury Hearing - LIVE

I now it doesn't seem very serious and professional but I have to apologize for the failed "live" blogging from the International Jury hearing. It did take place as scheduled, it lasted more than 2 hours, there were no fist fights and everybody was polite yet firm in their argumentation.

Unfortunately, the open and free Wifi network that was supposed to cover the entire Port America's Cup disappeared after 10 minutes. The press conference room, and the entire press center, being still under construction meant there was no wireless network available. As a result, my attempt failed. Lessons learned.

Now, concerning the hearing, it was long and tedious, going into minute technical details at moments. I have to admit that out of all the presentations Russell Coutts made the most convincing one, especially when he used a diagram to demonstrate the extreme scenario of a team placing 3,000kg of lead at the stern of the yacht as ballast and then throwing it in the sea 30 seconds before the start. The 33rd America's Cup Chief Measurer seemed cornered.

The two teams will probably issue press releases stating how satisfied they are with the Jury's decision. The truth will lie somewhere in between. Both teams won and both lost with the decision. My full report will be posted tomorrow evening. Wednesday will be a long day on the water.

The International Jury is ready to hear Alinghi and BMW Oracle on the measurement issue. Valencia, 2 February 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

7:00pm : Hamish Ross talks about the onboard lasers. Although I'm sitting very close, it's difficult to clearly hear the conversations.

6:51pm : Hello from Valencia and the press center conference room. The hearing is scheduled to start in 10 minutes. Grant Simmer and Hamish Ross are here from Alinghi. Russell Coutts and Richard Slater from BMW Oracle.