Yachting: Clinton visit moves launch

By Suzanne McFadden

The launch of Team New Zealand's new America's Cup boat has had to move for President Bill Clinton.

Tomorrow night's christening of NZL57 was to have taken place on the eastern edge of the Viaduct Basin, directly opposite where the round-the-world boats usually dock.

But Pippa, Lady Blake, would have had to compete with jackhammers and trucks - as work continues on a carpark for the American president's motorcade, when he visits the cup village on Sunday.

Now the new black boat will park off the village island - a little further away from the public's view.

But Team New Zealand have promised to stage a grand show to the public gallery, who will be able to see and hear the ceremony from the Waitemata Plaza across the water.

NZL57 will be christened at sunset by Lady Blake, wife of the head of the defence syndicate, Sir Peter Blake.

Children in tiny Optimist dinghies will circle the black boat under spotlight - representing Team New Zealand's financial contribution to youth yachting in New Zealand.

The Team New Zealand crew were working late into the night yesterday to get their first boat ready for her maiden sail. Her mast was stepped yesterday afternoon.

By the end of this weekend, there should be nine new generation America's Cup boats in the village.

The Spanish, Hawaiian and Swiss syndicates will have their boats delivered - by sea and air - over the weekend.

New York's Young America, the co-ed America True and Dennis Conner's Stars and Stripes are already out sailing on the Hauraki Gulf.