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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND -- Some twenty minutes prior to the starting sequence in the race between Team Dennis Conner and Prada, the structural bulkhead to which the running backstays are anchored, separated from the hull on Stars & Stripes. No one was injured and the crew quickly got the sails down before any additional damage occurred.

"This boat will race again in Round Robin Three," said skipper Dennis Conner. "Our boat builders are now busily assessing the damage, but we know it will be necessary to ask the Race Committee to postpone the start of the next race to effect repairs as provided for in the Louis Vuitton Cup Rules.

"I am sure that after inspecting our damage, the Race Committee and Jury will concur with our assessment of the extent of the damage.  It was unfortunate to forfeit our race against Prada without a fight.  We could have used those nine points to give us more breathing room to make it to the Semi finals.  We are counting on  Prada to continue their winning streak and beating the other teams vying for the top six places, so today was not a huge setback from that perspective." said Conner.

As soon as the Race Committee responds to the request the schedule will be determined.  In the mean time the whole Stars & Stripes team has rallied and are doing everything they possibly can to get the boat back in shape to race.


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/