AMERICA’S CUP UPDATE : NOTEBOOK : Koch Allows Democracy to Run Its Course After Winning Race

Bill Koch has his own style of public relations.

Near the end of Friday’s easy victory that won the defender trials, anticipating that ESPN commentator Gary Jobson would be asking for permission to come aboard afterward, Koch stepped forward to address the crew.

“Question,” Koch said, still wearing a TV microphone, “a serious question: Do we want Gary Jobson on board this boat for an interview after the race?

“He’s dug his own grave. We don’t hold any grudges, but it’s up to you all. He’s burnt every one of you on board this boat, and it’s up to you guys whether you want him on or not. I’m not voting.”

Jobson sailed on Koch’s Matador maxi-boats for several years and encouraged him to compete in the Cup but left because of Koch’s delay in picking a first-string crew. Since his return to ESPN, Jobson has occasionally criticized the crew work and Koch’s steering and input--a legitimate function of an expert commentator, it would seem.

Koch called for a show of hands. Koch counted.

“Twelve to four. OK, we’ll have him on board.”

Later, Jobson came on board and told Koch, “Bill, you’ve worked very hard and had some emotional ups and downs, but I want you to know from my heart I’m very proud of you.”

Koch replied, “Thank you, and I just want to say, Gary, I’m glad to have you back on the boat, and even though you and I have had our problems, we’re gonna be friends in the future.”

America 3 helmsman Buddy Melges, 62, is closer to a chance of becoming the first person to steer boats that won an Olympic gold medal--in 1972 at Kiel, Germany--and an America’s Cup.

“That would be a terrific reward in my life of sailing,” Melges said. “If it was made possible, it wouldn’t be by me alone. I’m just a small player.”

Melges also has been voted U.S. Yachtsman of the Year three times. He is more than “just a small player” in any program.

Koch added: “Let me clarify something. Buddy is the primary helmsman. I’m his relief helmsman. I’m also the skipper. I have to keep reminding these guys of that.

“Buddy has done a terrific job. I do a little better job when it gets above 10 knots . . . when he lets me have the wheel.”

Dennis Conner remained upbeat and chipper as Friday’s race--and for him, this America’s Cup--wound down on the run to the finish.

Spotting a banner for one his sponsors down the course, he said, “AC Delco powers a winner . . . where is it?”

Then: “I can see it from here. Those youthful eyes, you can’t see it? A hundred dollars it says ‘AC Delco powers a winner--Stars & Stripes.’ ”

Later, talking to someone about the match starting next Saturday, he said, “Who you taking? (Il Moro di Venezia skipper Paul) Cayard, huh?

“I’m sure he’ll be the big favorite, but not because of the boat. That is a heck of a boat, that (America 3) white boat.”

Apparently, there will be no side bets between Koch and Il Moro di Venezia boss Raul Gardini in the Cup match.

Koch said Friday that Gardini still hasn’t taken him up on an old bet to steer their own maxi boats in a best-of-seven series. Koch’s proposed wager was 1,000 bottles of Chateau Lafitte 1982, which runs about $500 a bottle.

“I don’t even know if there are a thousand bottles left in the world,” Koch said. “But he’s already wagered $240 million (on his America’s Cup campaign). We’ve wagered $64 million. I think that’s enough.”