Volume I, Number 2

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America's Cup News

America's Cup Damaged in Attack
The America's Cup was badly damaged in an attack by a sledgehammer-wielding political activist on March 14. The attacker entered the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron clubhouse, went to the room where the 149-year-old Cup was displayed, broke the glass display case, and hit the prestigious trophy several times with the hammer. It was severely damaged.

The "Auld Mug," as it is affectionately known, was flown to England in April, where it is expected to be fully restored by the jewelers Garrards of London, which crafted the silver-plated pitcher circa 1848. The RNZYS won the America's Cup in 1995 when Team New Zealand's Black Magic defeated Young America in San Diego.

See also:

America's Cup Beaten By Political Activist — Ivor Wilkins reports from New Zealand

Scuttlebutt: America's Cup Will Be "Properly" Restored

First Swiss Challenge
The first-ever America's Cup challenge from Switzerland was ratified earlier this year. The challenge was made by Club Nautique Morgien in Morges, Switzerland, and is headed by Marc Pajot, skipper, and Pierre Fehlmann, commodore of the FAST 2000 Challenge syndicate.

This brings the total number of official challengers to 11, representing eight countries. Additional challenges are expected from Australia and Italy. The deadline for submitting an America's Cup challenge is May 14. The best-of-nine America's Cup match is set to begin February 26, 2000.

A Tribute to Namba
On behalf of AmericaOne, I would like to extend our sympathy to the family and friends of Makoto Namba, skipper of the Nippon Challenge. Namba was lost overboard while racing from Hong Kong to Osaka on board the Corel 45 Escape-One on April 23. Namba was known to all of us, through the Nippon America's Cup Challenges of 1992 and 1995, as a true gentleman and great sailor. His competitive but friendly presence will be sadly missed.

— Paul Cayard

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