A decision on the appeal lodged in the New York Supreme Court by America's Cup holders Alinghi to have the regatta returned to the United Arab Emirates state of Ras Al-Khaimah should be handed down in two weeks.

The Swiss team announced last month that its Deed of Gift challenge regatta against the US-based BMW Oracle (pictured) would be held in Valencia, Spain, in February. But last week it appealed against the earlier court decision that banned its favoured location of RAK.

No legal arguments were heard from either the Societe Nautique de Geneve or the Golden Gate Yacht Club, the two clubs backing the competing teams, at the appeal hearing. Briefs containing their arguments were handed up to the appeal judges.

Lucien Masmejan, one of Alinghi's lawyers, told reporters outside the court that SNG doesn't believe that court can strip the right to select the sailing venue from them.

Tom Ehman, BMW Oracle's spokesman, says any move back to RAK would disadvantage them as they are already in the process of moving their equipment to Valencia. The Alinghi catamaran is still training in RAK.

The court promised an expedited ruling.