Games manager leads challenge

Press, 19 June 1984, Page 34

Games manager leads challenge

Auckland

The Olympic team manager, Sir Ronald Scott, has been appointed chairman of New Zealand’s America’s Cup yachting challenge committee.

Sir Ronald, knighted for his role in organising the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, said yesterday that he was convinced a thoroughly professional New Zealand challenge could be mounted in Perth in 1987. An impressive amount of work had already been done, he said.

“The feasibility study shows that S6M will be needed and I am sure that New Zealanders will get behind this project and find the money.

“There is no other international sporting event that attracts such interest, and the potential benefits to New Zealand are immense.”

Sir Ronald said he was impressed with the realistic approach the committee had made to the challenge so far. He had analysed the Australians’ success story and had realised that the entrant needed strong support and a professional organisation, since that would determine the quality and ultimate success of the challenge.

He had no doubt that New Zealand had the yachtsmen, the designers and the builders, and he was sure the country could meet the financial challenge.

Other members of the campaign committee are Mr Marcel Fachler (who initiated the challenge), Mr Don Brooke (the rear commodore of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron), and Mr Cedric Allan (an Auckland public relations consultant).