America’s Cup Update : Jury to Consider New Hearing in Kookaburra Case

The jury overseeing the America’s Cup defender races said Monday that it will consider a request from the Kookaburra Syndicate to reopen a protest hearing disqualifying Kookaburra II.

Graeme Owens, jury chairman, said the international panel will reconsider its verdict if new evidence is presented or members believe they have made a significant error.

Brian Willis, rules adviser for the syndicate, said he believes he can retrieve the two points Kookaburra II lost in its last race to the now-retired Australia III.

Kookaburra III (19-1) leads with 29 points, followed by Alan Bond’s Australia IV (14-6) with 20.

Kookaburra II (13-7) is third with 19 points but would overtake Australia IV if the jurors restore the two points before the third round of trials begins Dec. 2.

Crews indicate intent to protest by unfurling a red flag during the contest. A written notice must be filed afterward and the jury hears the arguments 24 hours later.