America's Cup Jury Upholds Appeal by Italian, Kiwi Teams

A five-person panel issued a ruling Thursday upholding an appeal by two teams in the America's Cup sailing races who argued that the regatta's director could not unilaterally make certain rule changes.

The America's Cup International Jury issued the ruling in favor of Luna Rossa Challenge and Emirates Team New Zealand, the two teams that filed the appeal in response to a proposal to modify rudders on the AC-72 vessels being used in the races.

The jury ruled that the rule change recommended by regatta director Iain Murray must be withdrawn because not all of the teams agreed to it.

The proposal was among 37 recommendations made by Murray following the May 9 death of Sweden-based Artemis Racing crewmember Andrew "Bart" Simpson when the team's boat capsized during a practice run.

The Louis Vuitton Cup, a series of races between the three challengers to Oracle Team USA for the America's Cup, began Sunday but Luna Rossa Challenge sat out the opening race against the New Zealand team because of the rudder dispute.

Luna Rossa officials posted on the team's website Thursday that the team plans to return to the regatta.

America's Cup organizers said Luna Rossa is participating in its first race Thursday for the Louis Vuitton Cup. However, the team's opponent, Artemis Racing, is sitting out the competition until at least later this month while making repairs to its boat, which was damaged in the May 9 tragedy.