Cup Defense Set: Point Loma in Early ’91

The defense of the America’s Cup, the international sailing trophy recaptured by skipper Dennis Conner in Australia, will be made in the waters off Point Loma in early 1991, officials announced Friday.

The plan is for trials to begin in February of that year, with the actual defense set for the first week of May.

The timing and format of the competition, however, could change radically if the New York Supreme Court upholds a challenge by New Zealand banker and yachtsman Michael Fay.

Fay is demanding in a suit that the San Diego Yacht Club meet his entry in an early match race for the America’s Cup off San Diego or forfeit yachting’s most prestigious trophy.

The vote of the seven-member committee designated by Sail America and the San Diego Yacht Club to select the cup defense site was unanimous in favor of San Diego waters, but officials acknowledged there was a chance that Fay’s challenge could be successful.

“If the court decides the San Diego Yacht Club-Sail America foundation must accept the challenge, all aspects of the match would be reconsidered,” said Gerald Driscoll, chairman of the committee.

Tom Ehman, head of Sail America, the syndicate managing the next America’s Cup race, said that even the site would be reconsidered if Fay’s challenge proves successful.