Australia takes first step to sailing glory

Press, 1 September 1980, Page 38

Australia takes first step to sailing glory

NZPA Newport The men who sail and support the yacht Australia took their first step at the week-end towards eliminating France 3 from the America’s Cup. There is everything to fight for in this best-of-seven-race foreign challengers’ final. At stake is a place in the big one: the America’s Cup match against the defending 12metre yacht Freedom. Australia defeated France 3 by two minutes 4 seconds on Saturday, leading all the way and going further ahead on all six legs of the 24.3 nautical mile course.

It was a bright performance on a dull, overcast day. Visibility was fairly good during the race, but by the time the yachts re-

turned to their Newport docks under tow, a thick fog had rolled in from Rhode Island Sound, and their masts were barely visible at 50 metres.

“We are pleased to have done as well as we did,” said the Australian team captain, Alan Bond. “There is very little difference in boat speed between the two of us. Any win is a’ good win against France 3.”

If anything, the predominantly light and variable winds might have, suited Australia more than France 3.

The Australians maintain that their boat is competitive in any range of weather, although most of their five losses during the foreign trials have been in the heavy stuff.