Russians Face More Hurdles

Russia’s disputed America’s Cup entries continue to have trouble getting their boats to San Diego for the start of competition next month--one being detained in Anchorage by U.S. authorities, the other asking that an inspection scheduled in Tallinn, Estonia, be delayed after a truck delivering carbon-fiber construction material was hijacked.

The Age of Russia boat, en route to San Diego aboard an Aeroflot cargo plane, was stopped in Anchorage after the airline said it wouldn’t arrange for U.S. landing rights until it was paid, and further recommended that the plane be sent back to Russia.

A syndicate representative faxed news organizations a copy of a check for $150,000 from an account in a private bank in Liechtenstein for deposit in an Aeroflot account in Citi Bank of New York.

The America’s Cup Organizing Committee has recognized Red Star ‘92--not Age of Russia--as the only Russian entry, but the latter group has been determined to send its boat to San Diego, anyway.

“This flight has the full support of the Russian Federation,” said Marina Kopel, the team’s U.S. representative. “Once all relevant information has been provided, we believe this sailing team will prove it’s only a victim of bureaucratic mismanagement . . . “

Meanwhile, Chris Drake, U.S. representative for Red Star ‘92, said he has seen that team’s boat, but delays in getting materials caused a delay in this week’s inspection scheduled by Nick Nicholson, one of the official measurers.

Further, the syndicate has been told by the Port Security Committee it will have to re-apply for permission to sail its boat in San Diego--one of 12 militarily secured ports in the U.S.