Conner snubs Holmes

Paul Holmes says it would have been great seeing Dennis Conner at the dinner. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

Paul Holmes has been shut out of a major America's Cup dinner because of his controversial on screen dust up with Dennis Conner 21 years ago.

Organisers of an America's Cup legends dinner being held in Auckland this month to celebrate Team New Zealand's 1986 challenge in Fremantle have dropped Holmes as master of ceremonies after talking to Conner.

American "Dirty" Dennis Conner, former skipper of Stars and Stripes and a four-time winner of the America's Cup, walked out on Holmes during his first Holmes TV show in 1989.

Holmes came in for public criticism over the show, but it launched what became a stunningly successful programme.

Holmes said he had been confirmed as MC for the event, which will include Conner and other guests Sir Michael Fay, Grant Dalton and Dean Barker.

The charity event will benefit Asthma New Zealand.

Now he will not go at all.

"I thought it would be a great night," said Holmes.

"I have no opinion about him (Conner). But I do think it is pathetic that someone hangs on to something for 21 years."

Holmes said it would have been great for the dinner to have he and Conner in the same room.

"I think it would have been very entertaining. I think it could have been very good for everyone."

David Higgins from Duco Ltd, which is organising the dinner, said Conner had not specifically said he didn't want Holmes as MC. But, after talking to Conner, Higgins changed his mind.

"I gathered that probably wasn't the right way to go," he said.

"I like Paul. I have a lot of time for him but I spoke to Dennis on the phone and he actually came across as sharp."

Higgins said the dinner was about yachting.

Holmes will still have a presence on the night - he is a sponsor and his self-branded Holmes olive oil will be on the tables.