Yachting: Auction-man Conner big winner on and off water

By SUZANNE McFADDEN

Dennis Conner was a winner on and off the water yesterday.

On land, the America's Cup legend had his syndicate coffers boosted by almost $200,000 when an anonymous bidder bought a one-race ride on Stars & Stripes.

Then Conner showed he still has what it takes under sail, winning the Auckland Etchells championship at Pine Harbour yesterday.

Conner put the 17th man spot on board Stars & Stripes up for auction through the Internet as a fundraising gimmick for the challenger syndicate. When business closed on Friday, the highest bid was $US98,100.

The successful bidder, if it is proven he or she has the funds, will fly to Auckland business class, stay three nights in a top hotel and spend one day with the Team Dennis Conner crew.

Bidding began at $US75,000, and two enthusiasts battled for the top spot.

The money goes towards the Cup campaign and is enough to buy Stars & Stripes a new mainsail.

Eight-time Cup veteran Conner may not be on the boat - he did not sail any of the races during round robin two.

But he still hasn't lost his touch, comfortably defending his Etchells title from a fleet of 17. Sailing with two Stars & Stripes sailmakers, Artie Means and George Gregory, Conner won three races and had two seconds.

His nearest rival was Stars & Stripes weatherman, Kiwi Murray Ross.

It was not all good news for Team Dennis Conner at the weekend - they suffered mast damage during training on the Hauraki Gulf.

The bent rig - which has never been used in racing - was removed from the boat and replaced with the mast that successfully took the team through round two. They will use the older mast in round three, starting on Thursday.