Auckland, NZ -- Stars & Stripes raced to their third win today of the Semi-Final Series of the Louis Vuitton Cup by beating the French
syndicate, Le defi Francais, by a final margin of 3 minutes and 6 seconds. This victory keeps Stars & Stripes the top boat of the Series.After an exciting start in 12-14 knots of breeze, the
French boat went over the line early and had to dip back under before the gun. Stars & Stripes, on port tack, beautifully went to the committee boat end of the line and got up to full speed at the
start gun. Stars & Stripes started 2 boat lengths ahead and to leeward of the French and never looked back.
But at the 1st leeward mark rounding, things got a bit ugly. Le defi Francais
closed on Stars & Stripes and after being penalized at the start for entering the start box too early, was penalized a second time for altering their course and colliding with the navy blue USA-55.
"They hit us pretty hard and cracked our scoop," said Pitman Robbie Young, who scurried to the boat's stern to survey the damage. "I tried to cover the exposed part of the hull to
prevent it from getting too wet." Unfortunately, before Young was able to cover the damaged hull, water entered into the laminant and will need to be removed before the boat can be repaired. The
collision created major skin de-lamination to the scoop and crushed the hull's core.
Because of this damage, Stars & Stripes requested a 48-hour delay from the Race Committee and was granted this
request.
Stars & Stripes remains the only undefeated team of the Semi-Final Round of the Louis Vuitton Cup. At this time, the racing schedule is still to be determined.
Standings as of January 5, 2000:
Stars & Stripes (3 points)
AmericaOne (2 points)
Nippon (2 points)
America True (1 point)
Prada Challenge (1 point)
Le defi Francais (0 points)
For more information, contact:
Veronica Cahill
Media Relations
Team Dennis Conner
Sailing Compound: 64-09-9799-700
Mobile: 029-99-2013
