Volume I, Number 3

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America's Cup News

Challenger Fleet Swells to 18

Seven additional yacht clubs met the May 14 deadline for challenging the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron for the prized America's Cup, swelling the challenger ranks to 18 clubs from 10 countries. The largest challenger fleet to date assembled in 1986, when 13 clubs from six countries battled for the right to meet the Royal Perth Yacht Club defender.

Among the late entrants was perennial America's Cup contender Dennis Conner, challenging under the burgee of the Cortez Racing Association in San Diego. A challenge from Hawa|'s Waikiki YC raised the number of United States challengers to six.

Two more teams from France also filed entries, bringing that nation's total to three. A second Swiss challenge was also submitted, as was the anticipated challenge from one of Australia's most venerable yachtsmen, Syd Fischer. And the Italians are back in the America's Cup game after sitting out the 1995 competition.

Notably absent was 1987 defender Iain Murray. He cited the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney as competition in fund-raising efforts.

New challengers

Australia

Cruising Yacht Club of Australia/Syd Fischer

France

Union Nationale Pour La Course Au Large

Yacht Club de Cannes/France Today

Italy

Punta Ala Yacht Club/Prada Challenge 2000

Switzerland

Societe Nautique Rolloise/swissteam

United States

Cortez Racing Association/Team Dennis Conner

Waikiki YC/Aloha Racing

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