Mystery man revealed

Press, 25 May 1984, Page 26

Mystery man revealed

PA Auckland A Belgian-born Australian hopes to lead a New Zealand challenge for the America’s Cup in 1987. Marcel Fachler yesterday revealed he is the mystery man behind the previously announced bid for the world’s premier yachting trophy. Two experimental yachts may be built, and, depending on the lessons learned from those yachts, a third built to sail the elimination series in Perth for the right to challenge Australia for the cup. The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is supporting Mr Fachler’s plans, and Don Brooke, the squadron’s vice-commodore, has been commissioned by Mr Fachler to make a study on

the feasibility and cost of the challenge. It was estimated yesterday that Mr Fachler’s initial involvement, including the nomination fee and feasibility study could be as high as $70,000. But he did not commit himself to producing the full capital to make the challenge. “I am only the catalyst,” he said. “I have approached incorporate bodies and people who have said they are willing to join the challenge.” Mr Fachler said he had received a favourable response. “The resources here in New Zealand are quite sufficient,” he said. “It is the least of the problems finding the means. The biggest

problem is finding the manager to mount the challenge.” Mr Fachler named three New Zealand designers — Bruce Farr, Ron Holland and Laurie Davidson — as having the knowledge to design an America’s Cup yacht. Mr Brooke said he considered it better to build two identical yachts in New Zealand than buy a yacht from overseas for crewtraining and assessment. “We are thinking of building in alloy at this stage but that may change,” he said. He said two-thirds of the training for the Cup would be done in New Zealand before somewhere with sea conditions similar to Perth was found for the final tuning.