[Archives 2]

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND -- "Stars & Stripes really felt alive today," said Ken Read, helmsman for Team Dennis Conner.  "We got some very positive feedback that the changes we've been making have really helped our program. 

"Every time you make a change, there is an element of risk involved," Read continued.  "But what we saw today certainly validates our thinking. There is no question - the boat is faster now than it was in Round Two. 

"Today's pre-start action with Young Australia's skipper James Spithill was definitely one of the more aggressive encounters for Stars & Stripes to date.  The umpires 'green flagged' three separate incidents before the starting signal. Stars and Stripes came in from the port end and wiggled out of the jam, getting the favored position off the line. And once the two boats cleared the line it was soon apparent that Stars & Stripes had better speed and height. 

Team Dennis Conner had a 38-second lead at the top mark which grew steadily to 1:14 at the finish. 

"The races against the boats that are in the lower half of the present pecking order put a lot of pressure on all of us," Read continued.  "We know we must win these races. Happily, today there are smiles all around. 

"While we were all pleased with our speed today, we know that other boats have also gotten faster between rounds," Read concluded.  "The next few races will be very telling. 

"Stars & Stripes races America True tomorrow, with Nippon, Prada and Young America scheduled for subsequent days.

Standings
1	Prada	20-1	55
2	Stars & Stripes	14-7	45.5
3	AmericaOne	16-5	45
4	Nippon	13-8	38.5
5	America True	14-6	38
6	Abracadabra	8-13	25
7	Young America	12-9	24
8	Spain	8-13	17
9	Le Defi BTT	5-16	14
10	Young Australia	3-18	9
11	FAST 2000	2-19	8

 

Victories are worth one point each in Round One, four points in
Round Two and nine points in Round Three.

Crew List
Ken Read	Helmsman
Peter Holmberg	Afterguard
Tom Whidden	Afterguard
Peter Isler	Afterguard
Chuck Brown	Runners
Eric Doyle	Main Trimmer
Jim Cannon	Main Caddy
Bill Trenkle	Port Trimmer
Mike Toppa	Starboard Trimmer
Stu Felker	Grinder
Larry Mialik	Grinder
Jeff Dionne	Grinder
Robbie Young	Pit
Matt Smith	Mast
Rob Myles	Sewer
Geordie Shaver	Bow
17th Prson -- John Voigh, Commodore, Cortez Racing Association

 

For additional information:
Tom Leweck, Team Dennis Conner
TEL:  029 992-013
FAX: 64 9 9799 701
Team Dennis Conner website: http://www.stars-stripes.com/