Skipper of Freedom replies to criticism

Press, 26 September 1980, Page 24

Skipper of Freedom replies to criticism

NZPA Newport, Rhode Island Already Dennis Conner is being asked if he will return to Newport three years from now to defend the America’s Cup again. Conner, a master sailor from San Diego, had not even wrapped up the 1980 defence of the yachting classic when the questions began. ! “Ask me that question in six months,” he replied. » Sailing the 12-metre racling sloop Freedom, Conner (has taken a 3-1 lead in the ♦best-of-seven series against '‘Australia”. The Australians had the series tied 1-1 at ione point, but Freedom wor the next two races, the last on Wednesday by the whopping margin of 3 minutes 48 seconds. When the series was tied, some, said that Conner was coming unravelled, he was shaken. “I hear that I lose a race and fall apart,” said Conner yesterday. “That’s wrong. I have won every big regatta I’ve been in. “Look at the S.O.R.C (Southern Ocean ’’Racing Circuit). Look how many times I came from behind to win that,” Conner said, “tn 1978 and 1979 I had to come from behind to win both times.” ' Conner has the credentials. He has won the S.O.R.C. three times, the World Star Class championships twice, the Congressional Cup twice, the Liptor Cup, the Miami-Nassau race, and he was a bronze medallist in the 1976 Olympics. There have been other criticisms of Conner. His defence competitors. Ted Turner and Russell Long, accused him of professionalism. So did the Australians. He has been called a machine and cut-throat. “I didn’t come here to impress’ the press,” said Con-

ner yesterday. “I came here to win the America’s Cup. I know the press has a job to do, and it’s all right with me as long as. it. doesn’t come between me and what I have to do.” Conner and his crew prepared for two years for the , America’s Cup, racing Freedom against its trial horse Enterprise in both Rhode Island and California. When Australia tied the series with a 28-second victory in the second race, Conner protested that the Australians did not display a stem light in the waning sunlight. Even after it was decided to withdraw the protest in the name of sportsmanship, many still believed that Conner wanted to pursue the protest. “The Australians were wrong. Where do you draw the line on the. rules?” he asked. “Everyone has a different place where they draw, the line. What if next time they didn’t have their safety equipment aboard? Well, it didn’t affect the outcome of the race. And what about their headboard (reinforcement ..for the head of the sail), being too big? Has it affected the outcome of a race? Who- decides which rules you follow and which you don’t? "I’m not smart enough to know where you draw the line, but.l think anytime someone does not follow the rules, you shouldn’t be criticised for trying to get them thrown out.” he said. Conner and his crew took yesterday off to prepare for today’s race against Australia — a race most think will wrap up the series. The decision not to race yesterday was made because of predicted northerly winds, 'which can be very flunky ir Newport. The prediction for today is for southerly winds at 15-20 knots, heavier air which favours Freedom and not Australia. i