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

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