Cup Briefs: Swiss watch

The Swiss have five days before their base in the cup village turns to cheese. Fast 2000 owe money to the America's Cup Village Ltd and must meet a July 1 deadline with a cheque or lose the base.

Syndicate head Hans Bernhard was in Auckland at the weekend and said the money was on the way. But no payment has arrived and a writ remains on the boat on the base. Village dock boss Grant Davidson said there was a waiting list for the base space, and if no money was received by next Thursday ACVL will "continue with court proceedings." The yellow boat sitting on the site, which belongs to the Esprit France campaign, will also have to be moved.

Conner's top cat

Dennis Conner is up to his old tricks - he's building another catamaran for the America's Cup. But this time, the cat will be his chase boat. The 14m powercat has been designed by New Zealand round-the-world sailor Murray Ross, and will have a top speed of 30 knots. It will also have the comforts of home - a toilet, shower, microwave and dishwasher.

Durable plastic

KZ7 has proved she is still one of the greatest America's Cup boats on water. New Zealand's plastic boat from 1987 has won the world 12m championships in St Tropez, sailed by Patrizio Bertelli - the man who runs the Italian Prada cup campaign.

Kiwi Magic, who won the title in Sardinia in 1987, won the last four of seven races this time, to beat cup classics like Italia, French Kiss, South Australia and Victory. It was the first time in 11 years that the world championships have been held. Bertelli chartered the boat from Sir Michael Fay and will bring it back to Auckland this year.

Campaign kickstart

World Cup soccer star Youri Djorkaeff unveiled France's new America's Cup boat, 6e Sens. French player Djorkaeff told the crew: "We felt we were backed by France at the right time and that gave us incredible strength. I came here to share with you some of our luck, our will to win."

Le Defi syndicate head Luc Gellusseau said the support of the world football champions would give the team "punch". "Unfortunately, we cannot aim to reach what you've reached because we start from a lower level, but we are going to try to go as far as the semifinals."