Conner May Face Rudder Disaster

AmericaOne moved to the top of the America’s Cup challenger standings today with a 2-minute, 43-second victory over Stars and Stripes, handing Dennis Conner his first loss of the semifinals.

Prada defeated Nippon by 1:33 in the second race of the day, and Le Defi Francais beat America True by 36 seconds to give the French boat its first victory of the semifinals.

The loss to AmericaOne wasn’t the biggest problem for Stars and Stripes. Conner came under withering fire from rival Nippon for allegedly using an illegal rudder in their opening-day race.

Nippon filed a protest Friday that could cost Stars and Stripes the win--or worse.

“The context in Article 19 of the protocol is loud and clear,” the Japanese said. “You are only allowed to manufacture appendages in your own country [the United States in Team Dennis Conner’s case] or in New Zealand.”

The issue involves Stars and Stripes’ one-time use of a new rudder that was made in Australia. Conner’s team removed the rudder and replaced it with an old one after the first race, when it became clear its legality would be questioned.

On Friday night, an international jury ruled that the rudder indeed was made in Australia, then sent its findings to an arbitration panel to determine whether that violated the rules. Jury chief Brian Willis would not speculate on what penalties might be assessed if Stars and Stripes is found to be wrong, but knowledgeable observers suggested Conner’s team could at least be stripped of its win in the Nippon race, and at worse could be tossed from the regatta.

Stars and Stripes tactician Tom Whidden expressed “total surprise” at the challenge. The team maintained in a written submission that it had done nothing wrong. No ruling was expected before tonight.

AmericaOne has four victories in five races for four points, one ahead of Stars and Stripes and Prada, although Conner’s boat has sailed one less race.

Nippon is in fourth place with two points in five races, followed by America True with one point from four. Le Defi Francais now sits with half a point in the standings, putting them in the black after losing a half-point for a collision Wednesday with Stars and Stripes.

It was the French boat’s first victory in six starts.