Conner to Use Hard Sail

Skipper Dennis Conner, saying his opponent has not earned the right to compete for yachting’s biggest prize, announced today his boat will use a hard sail rather than the traditional cloth one during next week’s America’s Cup competition against New Zealand. He said the hard wing has performed well in sea trials and experienced only one breakdown.

Conner announced his plans at a news conference after a lengthy diatribe on New Zealand’s efforts to scuttle his catamaran on legal grounds. Conner accused Michael Fay of trying to win the America’s Cup with a legal sneak attack that closed the door for nations planning to challenge in 12-meter yachts in 1991.