Ear accessories give clue to crew's onboard protection

By HELEN TUNNAH

Security staff were on Alinghi's boat as Russell Coutts and his crew sailed out to the Hauraki Gulf for yesterday's third race in the America's Cup.

At least two people on the boat were not sailors, but were wearing earpieces usually worn by security staff.

Alinghi crew, including Coutts who quit Team New Zealand after the last cup, were the target of threatening letters in December.

The Swiss team are 3-0 up over Team New Zealand in the first-to-five series.

Alinghi spokesman Bernard Schopfer said he could not disclose the team's security arrangements.

He described the men on the boat as "people that are close to the team".

Security arrangements had not changed since December, and had not been increased since the first wins of the racing.

No new threats had been made against team members, Mr Schopfer said.

The letters written in December, a day after Coutts publicly attacked Team New Zealand, threatened violence against the families of New Zealanders on Alinghi crew, and were signed "Teach the Traitors a Lesson".

Police questioned an extreme group of Team New Zealand supporters called the Blackhearts about the threats.

Members of the group denied knowing anything about them.

The Swiss publicised the threats despite Auckland police asking them not to.

nzherald.co.nz/americascup

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