Clubs back N.Z. bid

Press, 22 September 1987, Page 48

Clubs back N.Z. bid

PA Hamilton The New York Yacht Club and the Royal Perth Yacht Club support New Zealand’s bld for an America’s Cup challenge next year, according to the New Zealand challenger, Mr Michael Fay. Speaking at a property conference in Hamilton yesterday, Mr Fay said he had received messages from both clubs endorsing New Zealand’s case for a challenge, which was argued before the New York State Supreme Court earlier this month.

The Judge is expected to deliver her decision on the validity of New Zealand’s challenge within a month.

The America’s Cup holder, the San Diego Yacht Club, is refusing to accept the innovative challenge using 90 ft sloops. Mr Fay said the New York Yacht Club had told him it would appeal if the Judge ruled out New Zealand’s challenge by amending the Cup’s deed of gift which stipulates that any yacht club has the right to sail a match as long as it gives 10 months notice and provides the dimensions of the yacht it chooses. New York had said that if it held the Cup it would have accepted the New Zealand challenge Mr Fay contends. "They said our inter-

pretation of the deed was he right one. “We are not going to let them (San Diego) play it their way.” While the deed of gift was quite clear and unambiguous, the court case could be influenced by “overheated” political pressure, Mr Fay said. He found it surprising that the Mayor of New York, Mr Edward Koch and the State’s attorneygeneral had been allowed to get so involved in opposing the challenge to the extent of holding press conferences during the case.

“The best thing we can do is to get on with building our boat.”