Syndicate to ‘jimmy the rules’

Press, 26 December 1987, Page 34

Syndicate to ‘jimmy the rules’

PA Auckland Sail America intends to “jimmy the rules” of next year’s defence of the America’s Cup. The message came from one of Sail America’s syndicate directors, Tom Ehman, in a public statement in which he said the San Diego Yacht Club would manipulate the rules to guarantee a successful defence of the Cup.

The Auckland merchant banker, Michael Fay, said he was deeply concerned

over the statement and has sent a letter to the San Diego Club commodore, Doug Alford, expressing his alarm. “It is inconceivable that the San Diego Yacht Club would attempt to defend the America’s Cup other than by a fair and square match on the water,” he said.

Mr Fay said he told Commodore Alford that he was concerned over Sail America’s attitude towards the duties and responsibilities entrusted to

the club as holder and trustee of the Cup.

A court order from the New York Supreme Court confirming its earlier ruling that Mr Fay’s Mercury Bay Boating Club super maxi challenge is valid, has been served on the San Diego club. It has cleared the way for the three match series to begin on September 15. Mr Fay said it also confirmed that San Diego is duty bound to abide by the Cup’s Deed of Gift.

He said it clearly stated that the contest must be held off San Diego, although Sail America has refused to name the race venue until 90 days before the series. The ruling also stops San Diego from defending the Cup in a radical multihull as Sail America has threatened to do. Mr Fay said he intended to resolve these issues with San Diego as quickly as possible.