American syndicate Stars + Stripes are reportedly hoping to use Team New Zealand's first boat so it can compete in the Prada Cup challenger series.
In a stunning development, the struggling US team – who have run out of time and money to build their own AC75 – are seeking permission from the America's Cup independent arbitration panel to use a boat built in another country and take over Team NZ's 'Te Aihe', Newshub reports.
However, Stars + Stripes will have to convince the panel and fellow challengers from Italy, Great Britain and America to receive an exemption to bend the rules, which forbid the use of a boat built in another country.
The Cup rookies out of the Long Beach Yacht Club in southern California previously bought a design package from Team NZ but financial struggles have left their boat only half built.
![Mike Buckley and Taylor Canfield, co-founders of Stars and Stripes Team USA. Photo / Photosport](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/KZXEE6IIFNW2TAKN3YCAXFVJHI.jpg?auth=0c9676b1a31cbe71e34dcdc641ec97ea4607fb0c4deee1dba39eaaa0ff606449&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)