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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND -- On the strength of a 35-second win over AmericaOne, Stars & Stripes has been guaranteed a berth in the semifinal round of the Louis Vuitton Cup Series with one race still to go in Round Robin Three.

"It's hard to believe that exactly one week ago today we were all walking around with long faces after the aft bulkhead ripped out of our boat," said skipper Dennis Conner. "That could have been the defining moment that pulled this team together. I think everyone here picked up on what boat builder Johnny Smullen said when asked if the repairs could be completed in time. Without any hesitation Johnny declared, 'Failure is not an option."

Since that time Stars & Stripes has gone 4-1.

Today's race was sailed in 7-10 knots of wind on rather bumpy water. Team Dennis Conner owned the start and AmericaOne was force to tack away immediately to clear its air. Stars & Stripes was ahead at the first crossing and used its pointing advantage to open up a 40-second margin at the top mark. Team Dennis Conner maintained their lead throughout the 18.5-mile windward - leeward course.

Weather permitting, Stars & Stripes will meet The Spanish Challenge tomorrow. The semifinal round begins on January 2, with a clean slate -- no points are carried over from the previous races.

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/