Intrigue seethes beneath surface of Cup

By Suzanne McFadden

We've bumped over the wake of the latest America's Cup melodrama, but don't count on a smooth ride from here on.

New York's Young America challenge have conceded defeat in the television sponsorship war, and for now all is calm.

The Young Americans have backed down from their plans to spread the Fox name across their sails - a scheme which had rival television giant ESPN, the US Cup broadcaster, threatening to pull out and take their $8 million with them.

The dispute swelled to the point last week where the other challengers warned Young America to shape up or ship out.

But after much negotiation, Young America asked Fox to release them from elements of their contract, obviously the ones about putting the network's name all over their boats.

John Marshall, a veteran of off-the-water Cup play, said his Young America campaign had settled the issue out of respect for the Cup.

"This seems to be the best solution to preserve the dignity of the America's Cup and to allow us to continue undistracted towards victory in 2000," he said.

It wasn't the first, and it won't be the last, boardroom battle in this America's Cup Down Under. Just because it has moved to this side of the world, it doesn't mean things have turned around. It's all part of the game.

Wrangles over television deals have been going on for more than a year. There was a spat over a $1 million sanction fee demanded by the world sailing body, ISAF, for holding the event. It became so heated that ISAF threatened to stop Cup sailors from competing in the Olympics. It was eventually settled at a reduced amount.

A fortnight ago, the nationality issue raised its head when America True tried to get a special exemption to use Kiwis in their crew for the Cup dress rehearsal.

Sparks have flown over prices for bases at the America's Cup village, and there have been accusations of spying, shadowing and ramming out on the Hauraki Gulf.

In the next 12 months, expect more scuffles over boat design, rule interpretations and espionage.

Despite declarations that this will be the new, improved and fair America's Cup, it will always be one of the most contentious sporting events in the world.

That's what sets it apart from regattas like Cowes race week and the Bermuda Gold Cup; and it is why every syndicate must pack a lawyer when they move to Auckland.