Blake's black boat not a happy ship

A rift has emerged between the Team New Zealand yachting administration and its sailors, five days out from the first race of the America's Cup.

In response to Herald inquiries, syndicate head Sir Peter Blake last night issued a statement acknowledging "disagreements" and "family squabbles."

But he said it would be unrealistic not to expect them within the 80-member team. The team were now completely united heading into the showdown with Prada in the best-of-nine series, Sir Peter said.

His comments come after the Herald investigated rumours of a schism within the camp between the management of Sir Peter and executive director Alan Sefton and the crew, led by Russell Coutts and Brad Butterworth.

This rift is believed to be over money and management's approach.

Until now, the team have refused to comment on any split.

Coutts declined to discuss rumours of disagreements, saying: "That's not a good question to ask." However, during an interview for a story to be published in the Weekend Herald, tactician Butterworth admitted problems.

"Last time, we had one objective and that was to win. This time there have been a lot of other agendas which have got in the way. I guess the disagreements we've had internally have been over the way we [the crew] are pretty much one-eyed and want to win and see no compromise.

"And I think other parts of our team, parts of the administration, have had to compromise to make the whole thing work."

Sir Peter said there would always be tension in an organisation like Team New Zealand.

"It's pointless thinking there won't be. You would be a pretty poor outfit if you didn't have the odd scrap.

"We have strong leaders within our team here. Russell [Coutts] has to run the sailing team, that's a big job. Tom Schnackenberg runs the design team, Tim Gurr runs the boatbuilding team, and they work horrendous hours.

"We've got strong individuals. We don't want, and we didn't want, yes-men around. There's no point in me sitting here and calling the shots on the crew or the sail shape. It would be quite ridiculous because it would make us weaker.

"Just like families, you have disagreements. We have our family squabbles, we sort them all out and we carry on.

"Right now, we are a highly united bunch of people who have one foe in mind, and that's down the road there with the red stripe [Prada]." - STAFF REPORTERS, NZPA