Members of the sailing community throughout the world expressed concern about Holmberg and his America's Cup challenge as news of one of the most ferocious storms in the past decade spread around the globe. The storm did prevent the skipper, the number three ranked match racer in the world, from competing in New York's CIGNA Knickerbocker Cup, where he was a finalist last year.  "Most importantly, all Team Caribbean personnel and families are fine," said Holmberg.  "As far as the sailing team's status, Tropical Shipping saved our training boat, USA-11, lifting it from the water and hiding it behind one of their buildings.  She is being cleaned and will be back in the water by October 15."  

While Georges disrupted Team Caribbean operations temporarily, all work has resumed with even more determination.  "This challenge was burn out of the ravages of Hurricane Marilyn and we consider Georges just another obstacle to overcome," said Michael Bornn, cofounder and chairman of the board of directors. 

The biggest obstacle in the team's way now is common to almost all America's Cup challengers: raising sufficient funds to build and campaign either one or two new boats.  To that end, a major fund raising event will be held next week at the New York home of famed author George Plimpton. The guest list reads like a Who's Who in business, sports and entertainment.  "Our financial situation is simply stated," said Steve Morton, vice-president of marketing.  "We need to raise between $5 and $10 million to complete our design work, build and equip what we believe will be a very competitive boat, set up our New Zealand compound, and house and feed our personnel. 

The fund raiser next week is an important step towards meeting our goal."  Also integral to the fund raising effort is the work of Track Marketing, the New York event and sports marketing firm that has been presenting the Team Caribbean program to corporate decision makers. "The response to date has been positive," said Morton.  "They've only been working with us for about six weeks, but they've covered a lot of territory in that time.  Our program has been received well, but when you're talking this kind of money, the process is a long one." 

Also unaffected by Georges is the Marriott Frenchmans Reef International Match Race, scheduled for December.  Organizers report that plans for the regatta are progressing well. A detailed announcement of the competitors, sponsors and program is expected shortly.  "We feel very fortunate that the hurricane hasn't disrupted us more than bringing some inconvenience and a few moments of real anxiety," said Bornn.  "We are very concerned about the destruction the storm caused in Puerto Rico.  Our operations there are mostly on the fund raising side, but it's apparent that they will be put on hold until the island recovers." 

Based in the US Virgin Islands, Team Caribbean is the first Caribbean-based challenge for the America's Cup, the only challenge to have ever originated from a US territory, and the only challenge ever made official by a woman commodore.