IN BRIEF : Challengers Ask ’92 America’s Cup

America’s Cup hopefuls called today for the next challenge to be held early in 1992, whatever the outcome of a bitter legal wrangle over yachting’s most coveted trophy.

A total of 19 challengers made the call after meeting in Auckland, site for the next Cup regatta if New Zealand wins a New York court battle with the San Diego Yacht Club.

“The challengers are very firmly determined in their opinion that the next challenge should be held early in 1992,” Stan Reid of the Royal Perth Yacht Club told a news conference. As “Challenger of Record,” Perth represents clubs ranging from a Soviet syndicate to the Hawaii-based Outrigger Canoe Club. Challengers must agree on the date with the Cup’s holder--but only the court can decide who that will be. Earlier this year a New York court stripped San Diego of the Cup and awarded it to New Zealand’s Mercury Bay Boating Club, but that ruling is under appeal.