Designers Create New Class for America’s Cup

SOUTHAMPTON, England — In a bid to avoid a repetition of the legal wrangle that dogged this year’s America’s Cup yachting challenge, 20 international designers from 10 countries have created a new class of yacht which they propose will compete for the next event.

Representatives of the United States and New Zealand, who fought out this year’s series of races, were among the designers who met in this southern English port city to thrash out a loop-hole proof formula for the event.

John Longley, a member of the group of America’s Cup Syndicates, said Monday he believes the proposed new design will lead to a controversy-free America’s Cup.