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Welcome back, Conner Stars and Stripes unbeaten in America's Cup semifinals
Posted: Monday January 03, 2000 12:37 PM
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) -- Dennis Conner's inspirational speech has seemingly boosted Stars and Stripes to the top of the leaderboard after two races in the America's Cup challenger semifinals. Conner used his motivating address to discount claims his low-budget, late campaign meant he was not serious about winning the America's Cup. Navigator Peter Isler said Conner, who does not sail on the boat, told the team he had done all he could in putting together a campaign equipped to win the America's Cup from Team New Zealand. "He made it clear he has done all he can to give us the equipment, the personnel to win this thing," Isler said. "He understands that he didn't have the deep pockets early on, and we have the one-boat program, but using his realism he was able to fly out a campaign where we're able to be where we are right now." Stars and Stripes is now the only unbeaten team, with two wins in two races against the top two teams from the three early rounds. Prada, AmericaOne, Nippon and America True each have one win, while Le Defi Francais has lost both starts. Though there are still eight races left, the nature of Conner's win over Prada has them labeled one of the favorites to make the two-boat cup finals. "We're not the deepest pockets, but boy we've made some great steps along the way," Isler said. "They know we're here now." Isler said the win-loss records of the boats in the three round-robins should not be discounted. The round-robins were led by Prada, but with the pressure on from its opponents and winds gusting up to 35 knots, Prada's crew fumbled and equipment broke. Paul Cayard's AmericaOne team lost to its San Francisco rivals, America True, after breaking headsail equipment, which prevented them from raising the front sail. The lead in their race was blown immediately, and America True, who had earlier battled a torn spinnaker and broken spinnaker pole, was able to pick up three minutes on one leg to clinch the one point for the win. Racing is scheduled to continue Tuesday with Stars and Stripes taking on Le Defi Francais, America True matching up against Nippon and Prada sailing against AmericaOne. Each of the six semifinalists race each other twice, with one point awarded per win. The top two teams after the semifinals will conduct a nine-race challenger final to determine who faces Team New Zealand for the America's Cup.
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