America's Cup a prime terror target says analyst

By ALAN PERROTT

If ever New Zealand were to host an event powerful enough to whet the appetite of a terrorist, the America's Cup is it.

It's named after the country commonly referred to as "the Great Satan" by Muslim extremists, it comes with guaranteed worldwide media coverage and it attracts a travelling boatshow of billionaires.

Add the international perception that New Zealand immigration is a soft touch and the possibility of a Western world embroiled in an Afghan war, and you might have a good case for calling the whole event off.

Michael O'Connor, a defence analyst and executive director of the Australian Defence Association, said such ingredients made the regatta an obvious target for hostile groups.

Mr O'Connor said terrorists had proved that they learned from their mistakes - such as the first failed attempt to topple the World Trade Center - and they would have seen how the attacks on America were covered by the world media.

He said coverage had centred almost exclusively on the New York attacks simply because that was where the media were at the time.

"If the other plane had hit the White House, it may have been a different story."

The regatta might still be 18 months away, but he said it was the terrorists who set the timetable and they had already demonstrated their patience.

The visit of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and the Commonwealth Heads of Government conference have already fallen victim to similar logic.

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, organiser of the America's Cup Challenger Series, said it had not heard of any concerns from the international teams taking part.

RNZYS assistant general manager Harold Bennett said everything had gone to plan so far.

New syndicates have until next March to enter.

Team New Zealand spokesman Murray Taylor said planning for the regatta was beginning now.

He said organisers were keeping a close eye on international developments and security measures would be coordinated with local and national government.

Full coverage: Terror in America

Pictures: Day 1 | Day 2 | Brooklyn Bridge live webcam

Video

The fatal flights

Emergency telephone numbers:

United Airlines: 0168 1800 932 8555

American Airlines: 0168 1800 245 0999

NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade: 0800 872 111

US Embassy in Wellington (recorded info): 04 472 2068