Dickson at helm?

Press, 1 December 1987, Page 68

Dickson at helm?

KEVIN TUTTY

Chris Dickson could be at the helm of New Zealand’s J-class challenger next year despite the personality clashes between him and Michael Fay during the America’s Cup campaign last summer, according to the author of a recently published book on the contest. Alan Sefton, who was in Christchurch yesterday promoting his book, "The Inside Story of KZ7,” said while there had been conflict between the pair in Fremantle, the two men had a great deal of respect for each other in their particular fields. “Michael’s attitude has softened and I’m sure that he takes the view now that if Chris Dickson is the best man to sail the boat in next year’s challenge, then he will get the job. “Dickson is an absolutely single-minded person with an uncanny ability to focus on an objec-

tive. That stems from the amount of dinghy sailing he did in his early years.” Mr Sefton said it was probably inevitable that the two would clash because Mr Fay’s personality was just as strong, and he was determined to hold the reins of the New Zealand challenge. Twice Dickson was on the verge of leaving the America’s Cup campaign because he was frustrated with developments, said Mr Sefton. The first time was shortly before KZ3 and KZS were launched. Members of the New Zealand media contingent in Fremantle bemoaned the fact they were kept at arm’s length by the challenge syndicate during the campaign. In spite of this, Mr Sefton was able to keep up with what was happening behind the scenes through his extensive contacts in the New Zealand challenge camp. He knew many of the crew personally. He has

included that inside knowledge in the book. Mr .Seftdn said there would be scope for another book after New Zealand’s challenge against the San Diego Yacht Club next year. He said he was surprised when Mr Fay told him he was making the 1988 challenge. “I said: ’You’re bloody mad. You can’t tell me we’re the only smart people in the world.’ But it was true. No-one else had taken the time to look closely at the deed of gift which favours the challenger.” Mr Sefton believes the main reason for Mr Fay’s challenge is to try and break the four year cycle of challenging in 12-metre boats. “The cost of 12-metre campaigns is becoming prohibitive and eventually it will be only the United States and Japan who can afford to mount a challenge for the America’s Cup.” . ■ ,