Auckland, NZ -- Today, Team Dennis Conner was informed that we were being protested by the Japanese Syndicate, Nippon Challenge, regarding the nationality of the manufacturer of the rudder that was used on Stars & Stripes for the first race of the Louis Vuitton Cup Semi-Final Series against Japan.

Team Dennis Conner is confident that all rules of nationality in the appropriate documents for this America's Cup have been met.

Team Dennis Conner will vigorously defend our position and will not allow this issue to keep us from continuing on our winning ways for the Semi-Final Series.

"This is not a total surprise," said Bill Trenkle, Operations Director for Team Dennis Conner, "there have been many submissions to the Arbitration Panel regarding nationality issues for this event. The documents and rules concerning nationality are complex and we're lucky to have the Arbitration Panel available to help tie all the documents together and issue interpretations."

Late last night, Team Dennis Conner was issued an additional 24-hours to continue repairing their boat that was damaged after Le defi Francais collided with their stern during a race on January 5. The official measurers have been inspecting their progress periodically and Team Dennis Conner is confident that with the additional time provided, we will be able to put Stars & Stripes back in its original condition.

For more information contact:
Veronica Cahill
Media Relations
Team Dennis Conner
Sailing Compound: 64-9-9799-700
Mobile: 029-99-2013