Donations From High-Tech Firms : S.D. Receives Offer of Aid in Cup Race Quest

Seven high-technology firms announced Thursday that they are willing to donate $500,000 worth of advanced scientific equipment to bolster San Diego’s efforts to bring the 1991 America’s Cup races here.

The firms offered a variety of advanced technology, including computers that will help modify yacht designs to compete in San Diego’s light winds. The computers would also be used to simulate yachting conditions, measure yacht performances and even help manage the logistics of sponsoring the regatta, said John Stewart, spokesman for the firms.

The participating companies are Audre Inc., Celerity Computing, Kaypro, Remote Control Computing, Scientific Computer Systems, Software Products International and Wavetek. The firms’ pledges were offered to San Diego’s America’s Cup Task Force, the group lobbying to have the sailing event held in San Diego.

Jeff Stafford, a spokesman for task force chairman Brian Bilbray, said the support of San Diego’s high-tech industry strengthens the task force’s case to claim the site.

“It’s necessary to have the support of high-tech to constantly modify, change and improve yacht designs,” Stafford said. “The designs we have today won’t be any good by 1991.

“The firms’ offer helps to sweeten our bid. It’s something we believe Honolulu cannot offer,” he said.

Hawaii, which is also seeking to be named as the host site, is considered San Diego’s main rival. The selection of a race location will be made by a committee whose membership hasn’t been finally determined.

“We already have the community behind it, the business community behind it,” Stafford said. “This addition is another piece of the pie, a very big piece at that.”