Conner to Race for New Syndicate in 1992

Whether the America’s Cup is in San Diego or Auckland, New Zealand, skipper Dennis Conner will be racing for it in 1992.

Conner announced Sunday the formation of “Team Dennis Conner,” the syndicate under which he will race for the next challenge, either in Auckland or San Diego--pending an appeal by the America’s Cup Organizing Committee to overturn a court decision that awarded New Zealand the cup.

John Marshall, Conner’s boat designer in 1987 and 1988, will head the syndicate, which Conner hopes will raise up to $35 million through private donations and corporate sponsorships.

Conner said the funds are needed to build two boats, campaign worldwide and to run the crews, which will grow from 28 people to 60.

He is confident that the syndicate can help the United States’ chances of winning the America’s Cup in 1992.

“We feel this syndicate has hit the ground running with experienced, qualified winners that are capable of doing the job one more time,” Conner said during a press conference at his home in Point Loma. “We can step up to bat and do an excellent job of representing America, whether it’s in San Diego or New Zealand.”

The syndicate will be one of 26 challengers from 11 countries. Additional yacht clubs could join the race up until 30 days after the court decision has been rendered, the same time period that Conner must decide what club he will represent.

“I’m hoping to be sailing for the San Diego Yacht Club,” he said. “I’m not deciding until the decision comes down.”

Conner put to rest any speculation that he would retire from America’s Cup racing. After five appearances and with the current controversy, he said it wasn’t the time to quit.

“I think I may have retired,” Conner said, “but it just doesn’t seem right to me to have some judge in New York take the America’s Cup, put a postage stamp on it and send it to New Zealand. They never beat us on the water . . . and it’s not my way to stand by and not do what I can to bring the cup back.”