Swiss yachting syndicate Alinghi has proposed Australia as an alternative venue for its defence of the America's Cup in a bid to end a court battle with US challenger BMW Oracle.
A New York judge had earlier ruled out plans to stage the defence of the 33rd America's Cup in waters off the United Arab Emirates in February next year.
The judge ruled the Swiss defenders must stage the event either in the southern hemisphere in accordance with the Cup's Deed of Gift, or in Spain's Valencia where the last regatta was held.
Alinghi has proposed that the regatta be held off the east coast of Australia ahead of another court hearing on Friday.
The Swiss say it will name the specific venue only once BMW Oracle agrees to the concept of the event being held off the Australian coast.
BMW Oracle is seeking more details and has written to Alinghi, saying it cannot decide without knowing the precise venue.
Radio New Zealand contacted major events agencies in Queensland and New South Wales, and neither were aware of a proposed regatta to be held in three months' time.
