Syndicate stands firm on logo

By Nick Perry

A standoff between media giants ESPN and Fox over an America's Cup spinnaker is continuing despite a new contract.

Cup organisers in Auckland and the United States signed an estimated $8 million
deal with ESPN this week, giving the network broadcasting rights in the US - and preventing "sabotage advertising" by competing networks.

But New York Yacht Club syndicate Young America is not backing down from its January contract with Fox Sports Net, which would see the syndicate flying Fox logos on its spinnaker and along the sides of its boat.

Young America spokeswoman Jane Eagleson said: "The new language in the ESPN contract contravenes our pre-existing contract with Fox, not the other way around. We have a binding contract with Fox, and that's not going to go away.

"We need to sit down with all the players, address some of those concerns, and find a way for it to work for ESPN, Fox and Young America."

Under the new contract, the syndicate has less than 30 days to sort out the dispute.

Dyer Jones, executive director of America's Cup Challenger Association, said it was delighted to sign with ESPN, which he believed would give the cup first-class coverage.