Accused 'spy' agrees to America's Cup silence

By NICK PERRY

SEATTLE -The Aucklander accused of trying to peddle America's Cup secrets has promised to keep mum until his court case is heard.

Sean Reeves had agreed to a temporary restraining order that prevented him selling or giving away confidential information about the OneWorld syndicate, said his Seattle-based lawyer, Guy Michelson.

OneWorld was attempting to have a court impose the restraining order on the former Team New Zealand member but in the end that was not necessary.

Michelson signed the order a day after being hired by Reeves last week.

OneWorld is suing Reeves for allegedly trying to sell design secrets worth up to $US2.5 million ($6 million) to the rival Oracle syndicate after he was sacked from OneWorld.

But Reeves denies any wrongdoing and has threatened to countersue OneWorld for defamation.

Michelson said Reeves had not mentioned taking action against the syndicate. "We haven't hit the point of discussing that," he said. "But no doubt we will explore all possible defences and counter- claims."

He said the legal order was valid throughout the US but would not necessarily prevent Reeves from selling information in other countries such as New Zealand. However, Reeves had no intention of selling any information, Michelson said.

Reeves' position was that he had not done anything to violate or breach his agreements with OneWorld.

The restraining agreement took some of the urgency out of the the case, Michelson said. Both parties would have time to thoroughly prepare for a possible trial early next year. An out-of-court settlement also remained an option. Ninety-five per cent of cases settled, he said.

The order does not cover any secrets owned by other syndicates. Reeves has also been accused of trying to sell Team New Zealand secrets.

In another development, a federal judge rather than a Washington state judge will hear Reeves' case.

US federal courts heard civil cases involving far-flung parties when a minimum of $75,000 was involved, said Lawrence Lincoln, a spokesman for the US Attorneys Office.

The OneWorld challenge, owned by cellphone billionaire Craig McCaw, is training in the Hauraki Gulf for the challenger series next year and the 2003 cup.

San Francisco-based Oracle, owned by software mogul Larry Ellison, is also vying for the cup.

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