[Archives 2]

"Probably the most important thing we've learned in Round Robin One is that we have a very good boat,"  declared Stars & Stripes tactician, Peter Holmberg.  "The highly funded teams are definitely within our reach. And after the improvements we'll be making between rounds, we know Stars & Stripes will be much quicker in Round Two."

Team Dennis Conner thought they had finished Round One yesterday with a win over the Australian syndicate. However late last night, the International Jury ruled favorably on Australia's request for redress over the Race Committee's decision which denied them a postponement to replace a broken batten.  The Jury ordered the race re-sailed, so both boats met again on the starting line this afternoon.

After an even start, Stars & Stripes led at every mark, ultimately winning by 1 minute and 7 seconds.

"Young Australia is good in a blow,  and we had 18-20 knots of breeze all day long, "explained helmsman Ken Read. "Still, I felt we always had a touch of pace, which gave us a chance to try some trim variations, to assess their impact on our speed. We learned a lot today. In fact, this whole round has been a valuable learning experience for us," Read continued.  "We'll be  tougher in Round Robin Two."

FINAL STANDINGS -- RoundRobin One:

1. Prada 10-0 10
2. Young America 8-2 8
3. AmericaOne 8-2 8
4. America True 6-4 6
5. Nippon 6-4 5.5*
6. Spain 5-5 5
7. Stars & Stripes 5-5 4.5*
8. Abracadabra 4-6 4
9. Le Défi BTT 2-8 2
10. Young Australia 1-9 1
11. FAST 2000 0-10 0

* Half point penalty imposed by the International Jury for contact.