The agreement is similar to sanctioning agreements that ISAF has had with previous America's Cup event authorities. The agreement governs all competition in the 32nd America's Cup plus all supplementary events organised for the America's Cup Class by AC Management up to the end of the last race of the 32nd America's Cup Match.

ISAF President Paul Henderson said: `After very constructive discussions, I am delighted that we can now jointly move forward with the organisers of the next America's Cup. The first time for this event in Europe will be of unbelievable benefit to the profile of our sport.`

The sanctioning agreement provides the 32nd America's Cup organisers the right to use the ISAF Racing Rules and Match Racing Rules, along with the right to engage ISAF qualified umpires and judges and all other services ISAF can provide.

AC Management CEO Michel Bonnefous commented on the deal: `Any top sport has an efficient set of rules and the America's Cup is no exception and depends heavily on the use and interpretation of these rules sometimes under extreme pressure. The work done by the ISAF umpires during the America's Cup competitions is extremely important for the rest of the sport of sailing, and the whole of the America's Cup community welcomes this agreement.`

ISAF Vice-President David Kellet also commented: `The America's Cup is the very pinnacle of our sport and is extremely important for ISAF's rules, judges and umpires. The experience gained at this unique and professional event benefits the whole of the sport of sailing.`

Source: AC Management