Davis adds spice to Team NZ's cup preparations

By JULIE ASH

Prada's Rod Davis will probably be the only sailor from a rival syndicate to enjoy the privilege of setting foot on Team New Zealand's black boats.

The New Zealand syndicate has invited the 47-year-old to sail with them in the build-up to the America's Cup defence, which starts on February 15.

Davis joined the team this week after he had been released from the Italian syndicate, who have completed their development programme in Auckland.

The rules do not allow Davis to sail with the Team New Zealand in the cup, but he is allowed to train with them.

Davis' decision to add variety to Team New Zealand's in-house racing as a new sparring partner for skipper Dean Barker could upset other challengers, who have a pact not to provide assistance to the defender.

Davis' addition will be a boost to the team whose only competitive racing has been between their A and B boats.

Competition to Barker has previously been provided by Frenchman Bertrand Pace, who has been at the helm of the B boat throughout the cup warm-up.

"Rod is going to do some sailing with us to add some variety to our in-house racing," Barker said. "At this stage of the campaign it is great to be able to introduce a new sailing style."

Davis has a long history with the New Zealand syndicate. He was involved in the 1988 and 1992 teams, and helped out in 1995.

He had a similar role with Team New Zealand in San Diego in 1995.

Davis was sailing with OneAustralia, who were beaten by Team New Zealand in the Louis Vuitton Cup final, but then helped the New Zealanders prepare for the America's Cup match where they beat Dennis Conner's Young America.

Florida-born Davis lives in Auckland and has coached and sailed with America's Cup crews since 1977.

His first cup experience was as a bowman on American defender Enterprise. He coached New Zealand in 1988 before going on to skipper NZL20 in 1992.

He then sailed with OneAustralia in 1995 before joining Prada as sailing coach for the 2000 campaign.

Davis was the starting helmsman for Prada in all but one of their races in this challenger series.

For their last semifinal race against OneWorld, Prada ditched Davis in favour of New Zealander Gavin Brady, who had not sailed in the entire regatta. Prada won that match but lost the series 3-2.

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