Press release no. 103
22 February 2000
International Jury to Rule on Team New Zealand’s Communication System
The International Jury will hold a hearing at 18:00 hours on Tuesday to rule on whether a communications system on board
Team New Zealand is in full compliance with America’s Cup Match Condition 19.1.
Team New Zealand has rigged up an earpiece communication system on NZL-60 that allows crew on the front of the boat to
hear instructions and communications from the afterguard. The system is designed to counteract noise from helicopters
hovering above the race course.
Match Condition 19.1 says that boats cannot have a communication system that will transmit or receive signals from off
the boat. Team New Zealand says its system is a closed circuit that doesn’t contravene the rule.
The International Jury has inspected the system and issued an interim decision that states that the equipment complies
with the rules. Team New Zealand has requested a formal interpretation from the Jury, which has precipitated the
scheduled meeting tonight.
The International Jury has stated that regardless of the outcome of the hearing tonight, the results from Race One on
Sunday, and Race Two today, will stand.
ENDS