The legal battle between Russell Coutts and Alinghi boss Ernesto Bertarelli is about to heat up, with both parties awaiting the date of the first hearing in Switzerland.
The New Zealand helmsman was fired from the Swiss syndicate in July for repeated violations of his duties.
But Coutts believes itwas Bertarelli who breached the contract and claims his role in Alinghi was at "considerable variance" with the one they had discussed and as a result has taken the Swiss billionaire to court.
"We've started the arbitration procedure about my employment contract," Coutts told Britain's Daily Telegraph.
"Both sides have nominated one arbitrator and those two nominate a chairman and that's all been done. We're sorting out the date for the first hearing."
Just before Coutts was sacked, Alinghi adjusted the cup protocol. It now includes a "180-day rule" which precludes anyone who has sailed for more than that time in either training or racing from joining another team.
The change effectively prevents Coutts from competing in the 2007 event, something he will contest.
"I want to get my freedom back. I want to sail in the next cup if I choose to.
"Whether I sail is contingent on a lot of things; on a team wanting me or some other alternative that I might decide to pursue," Coutts said.
"But at this stage I can't make any plans until they rule on the rules."
