New Zealand Reporter Challenges Conner to Match Race in Mini-12s
Dennis Conner’s least-favorite reporter has challenged him to a match race.
The San Diego sailor had a heated exchange with Michael Coupe of New Zealand Monday night over Conner’s suggestion that the Kiwis’ fiberglass 12-meter was intentionally illegal.
Wednesday, Coupe sent Conner a letter responding to his comment: “If you’re such an expert, why aren’t you up here (on the skippers’ dais) sailing a boat?”
Coupe wrote: “I feel obliged to accept your challenge.”
Coupe proposed a race in the one-man mini-12-meters available for rent on the inland Swan River estuary fronting Perth.
“I should point out that the mini-12s are constructed in fiberglass,” Coupe added.
Conner did not immediately respond.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
