America’s Crap controversy beneficial, says Conner

Press, 25 August 1988, Page 38

America’s Crap controversy beneficial, says Conner

NZPA-AP New York The lengthy court battle over the America’s Cup confused the public and shook up the traditionbound sport of sailing. But the skipper, Dennis Conner, says the controversy may be the “best thing that’s ever happened” to yacht racing. “The America’s Cup is bigger now than it’s ever been,” he said. “Sure, there has been controversy and bizarre twists. And sure, sometimes it was like a soap opera. But like Harry Truman used to say, ‘I don’t care what you write about me, just spell the name right.” When the best-of-three series between Conner’s Stars and Stripes and Michael Fay’s New Zealand boat begins on Sep-

tember 7 off the coast of San Diego, it will spell relief for both sides. “I’m happy it’s finally going to be decided on the water instead of in the courtroom,” Conner said. “I think everyone is glad about that, with the possible exception of New Zealand.” New Zealand enters the series as a heavy underdog because of the court ruling, which allows Conner to race a multihull 60-foot (18.2-metre) catamaran against Mr Fay’s monohull 120-foot (36.5metre) sloop. Some sailors say it is like racing a Ferrari against a pickup truck. But while Conner’s 2720 kg boat has a distinct speed advantage, Mr Fay’s 31,750 kg yacht is less

prone to mechanical problems.

"You always have the possibility of a breakdown with a small boat,” Conner said.

During practice sessions, masts have broken, gears have failed and the boat has capsized. “As soon as you fix something, there always seems to be a problem somewhere else,” Conner said.

Another major concern is the conditions off the San Diego coast, where Conner is hoping for moderate winds of 7 to 11 knots and smooth water.

“If the water is rough, we could be in trouble,” he said. “The New Zealand boat is much heavier than ours which means it’s much more stable.”

Because the legal dispute over the rules was not resolved until last month, Conner has had less time to prepare than he did in 1987, when he won the Cup back from Australia. “Last time we had seven months: This time, it’s about six weeks,” he said. “We haven’t even had a real race yet. Our first race in this boat will be the America’s Cup.” Despite his disagreement with Mr Fay, Conner said he respected his Kiwi opponent. “He’s like an unfriendly corporate raider. I disagree with what he’s doing, but I understand why he’s doing it,” he said. “It means a lot for his ego, and it also means millions of dollars.”