Day of truth dawns for Young America

By Suzanne McFadden

Dawn Riley holds the balance of power in the America's Cup - one shake of the head, and her rival American syndicate from New York is leaving today.

Young America, the team from the yacht club which held the Auld Mug for 132 years, could be cut from the Louis Vuitton Cup challenger series today if America True decide to stay indoors.

In true Cup style, Young America no longer control their fate.

If Riley's syndicate, America True, already through to the semifinals, decide not to race against Le Defi France because the wind is too strong, then the French are gifted nine points and take the last semifinal spot.

That would shut out Ed Baird's Young America, who need to win their final two races to survive. Incredibly, their final race is against the French.

America True dropped a bombshell last night when they said they might forfeit their race to France to protect their only boat.

Chris Coffin, who helps run the True camp, spelled it out: "The issue is that we have accomplished what we needed to.

"We don't want to risk anything - we have just one boat. I'm sorry to be selfish, but that's what we are here for."

Young America saw it coming. Before the Trues had stepped ashore, after caning Young America on the racecourse, the New Yorkers delivered a pallet of beer to their compound to "wish them well" in today's race.

Young American tactician Jim Brady did not even flinch when he heard the True's intentions.

"I expected it. There are some disappointed people in our campaign ... our destiny is no longer within our control," he said.

"I'd like to see [America True] go racing and let this come down to our last race against France. Let's hope they make the right choice."

Skipper Riley and her America True crew will make the call before 9 am. They would not say last night how strong the winds would have to be to convince them to leave their boat in the shed.

But the weather forecast may make the decision for them. The predictions of 25 knots gusting to 40 could mean everyone stays on shore today.

If Young America fail to qualify for the six-boat semifinals, it could be a severe case of history repeating itself. The last time the New York Yacht Club had an entry in the America's Cup - 1987 off Fremantle - their boat, America II, was knocked out of semifinal contention on the second-to-last day, by, of all people, the French.

Young America are set to race the hapless Young Australians today, who virtually handed another nine points to the French yesterday, when they tore their mainsail on the first downwind leg and withdrew from the race.

AmericaOne finished their round-robin campaign yesterday, with young Kiwi sailor Gavin Brady at the helm for the first time. Skipper Paul Cayard chose to go on holiday with his family to the Bay of Islands, leaving Brady in charge.

It wasn't the most auspicious debut for the promising skipper from Timaru, who lost to Stars & Stripes by 35s.

But it mattered not a bit. Both teams are through to the semis, where all points are wiped and the battle begins again.