Newport Harbor Yacht Club’s Eagle Passes Preliminary Measuring for America’s Cup

The Newport Harbor Yacht Club’s Eagle entry was one of only three 12-meter sailboats to pass preliminary measurement at Fremantle prior to the start of America’s Cup competition Oct. 5, a syndicate report said.

The other two were Canada II and South Australia--neither among the favorites for the cup.

One of the America II boats from the New York Yacht Club had been trying to measure in for 13 days and was still trying, at the last report.

All of the craft must conform to the 12-meter formula, which involves a balance of factors concerning sail area, ballast and water-line length.

Eagle defeated Italy’s Azzurra in two practice races this week and will compete in a fleet race with a half-dozen rivals Saturday, then practice with Canada II Sunday.