Conner Entered in Lipton Challenge Cup This Weekend

Dennis Conner, who lost the America’s Cup and won it back, is among the 16 entries in the 82nd Lipton Challenge Cup, a two-day event sponsored the Balboa Yacht Club beginning Saturday.

Conner will skipper Menace XVIII, formerly Buttercup, for the San Diego Yacht Club. He recently entered his challenge for the America’s Cup in New Zealand in 2000.

Conner was a late entry into the Challenge Cup. Representing the host club is John Franco, a 17-year member of the Balboa Yacht Club who replaced five-time Lipton Cup winner Dave Ullman. Franco, 36, of Newport Beach, is one of the top international Snipe-class racers who will compete in the World Championships later this year in San Diego. His team won the 1996 Thistle nationals.

Among the local yacht club entrants, their skippers and boats are: Newport Harbor YC, Argyle Campbell, Hot Spur; Huntington Harbour YC, Jeff Silver, Hull No. 71; Lido Isle YC, Greg Hatton, Raz-Ma-Taz; Bahia Corinthian YC, Mike Pinckney, Mischief.

Racing begins both days at 11 a.m. just north of Newport Pier.