Conner changes his tune on 'loser' Farr

Dennis Conner, a veteran of seven America's Cup yachting regattas, says he is on track to make a bid to challenge for the Auld Mug on the Hauraki Gulf.

And as always he was full of opinion on the next cup event.

Conner on Stars and Stripes: "We've kept a low profile from sponsorship announcements. But we're about as far along as the others.

"We've been sailing with a core group of people in San Diego on our America's Cup boat US34 from the `95 defence.

Conner on boat design: "We've started basically from the Black Boats. They showed us the way with a long narrow boat, opposed to our '95 boat which was too wide and too stiff.

"You will need to build a heavier boat for the first round in the spring, and then go to a light boat for the semifinals. I don't think there will be a chance for a far-out boat, because of money, time and you can only have two boats."

Conner on Team New Zealand: "They have a big edge going in with the momentum they rightfully earned in San Diego.

"They've been testing different bows on the black boats, they've continued to work on their sail development. At this point, the defenders would still have to be the strong favourites."

Conner on the challengers: "It's really down to the money. Without it you can't work on the design. Some have a headstart, those who were funded first.

"Prada has got to be the pick of the litter. I think the Italians will be quite formidable - they have to be on the top of the list from the challengers' stand-point. They have [designer] Doug Peterson who knows the theory behind the black boats.

"The New York Yacht Club got a running start as the Challenger of Record. They have arguably the finest boat designer in the world in Bruce Farr."

Conner on the Cup village: "I was a little concerned whether the basin plans would come to fruition. But I don't really see any glitches now.

"This place is going to catch the attention of the public worldwide. Win or lose, Auckland will come out ahead in the long run. It will be like innercity Baltimore and what they did with their ballpark."