Alinghi executive director Michel Bonnefous has hit back at a claim made by Winston Peters in Parliament that threatening letters sent to Alinghi team members in December had originated from within the team.
"Mr Peters' claim appears to be based on an anonymous rumour circulating in the Viaduct Basin," Bonnefous said.
"The New Zealand Minister of Police has rejected what Mr Peters said, and police ... have also told us there is no evidence to substantiate this rumour.
"Mr Peters is a supporter of the BlackHeart group.
"It is disappointing that he is spreading unfounded and damaging claims."
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Alinghi took to the water yesterday - with their remote-control AC15 yachts. Race officer (Alinghi tender driver) Dennis Craig laid a course, using an inflatable cow as the windward mark.
Replicas of Alinghi's and Team NZ's yachts were among the fleet of eight and tension was high as sailing team members and shore crew battled it out.
However, it was a controversial entry that won the day, under a handicap system. Tactician Brad Butterworth, helming his model Townson yacht, overcame stiff opposition to top the podium.
Continuous coverage of today's America's Cup race will begin on nzherald.co.nz at 12.30pm.
nzherald.co.nz/americascup
Racing schedule and results
<i>Spinnaker run:</i> Peters' claims rebuffed
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