Australia beats Sverige again

Press, 31 August 1977, Page 52

Australia beats Sverige again

NZPA Newport, Rhode Island The yacht Australia seems certain to win her spurs as the 1977 challenger for the America’s Cup, after defeating Sweden’s Sverige in three straight races. Australia showed her potential in her third clash with Sverige y--* , erday — squashed by 30 seconds at the start but ahead halfway up . the first leg of the course. The Sverige crew again seemed determined to bring a new element to

match-racing — ignore your sole opponent and do what you think is best.

It has worked before about one time in a hundred. Once Australia was ahead she devoted herself to blocking Sverige whenever necessary — and being on red alert the rest of the time. While the axe was poised over the Swedes’ necks, in the United States defence camp it fell yesterday on Ted Hood and Independence. A New York Yacht Club contingent in casual dress —- black jackets, caps and ties — arrived on their dock after Courageous had beaten

them by 1:23 to advise that their contribution was necessary no longer. Hood said it would have been more tactful if they; had waited a few days then eliminated both his yacht and Lowell North’s Enterprise. That way Independence would have been spared the embarrassment of being first to be sacked.

In the current United States trials Courageous has had nine wins and one defeat (ironically to Independence). Enterprise has four wins and seven losses and Independence three and eight.