Empty threats cloud the contest
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The threat by the San Diego Yacht Club to disqualify America3 and Pact '95 for attempting to oust the third America's Cup defence syndicate - headed by its former commodore, Dennis Conner - proved an empty one yesterday.
The vice-commodore, Bill Munster, with the approval of the commodore, Mike Morton, had written to the chairman of the defence committee, Wytie Cable, condemning the two syndicates' collaboration on weather information and boat tuning. "The acts by Pact '95 and America3 during the past 72 hours may violate the defence plan and its intent of fair sailing for all," read the SDYC statement.
But America3 simply shrugged off the threat. The syndicate's chief executive, Vincent Moeyersoms, said: "We are not concerned with the statement issued by the San Diego Yacht Club."
Six hours later Morton backed down. "They will not be disqualified," he said. "We will tune up again with [America3]," Pact '95's Robert Hopkins said.
Had Conner's Stars & Stripes beaten America3 in Tuesday's scheduled showdown the defence job would have been his regardless. But, for the 18th day out of 72, racing was disrupted by unsuitable weather. Still, if there was no race yesterday then Conner would have won. However, the defence committee has extend the racing, a decision which Conner may justifiably contest.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments