Three major events in the world of yacht racing are on a collision course as the ramifications of Team New Zealand being allowed to drive a coach and horses through a loophole in the America's Cup design rules become clearer.
The decision by chief measurer Ken McAlpine to allowwhat has already become known as the "Kiwi clip" has left the challengers "dead in the water," says one yacht designer.
By being allowed to design a basic hull that looks less powerful, and then attach a second underwater skin that restores not only full power but extra power, means the Kiwi yacht should have an unassailable advantage.
The three remaining syndicates are unlikely to match the power of Team New Zealand.
That means Team New Zealand are likely to retain the cup.
Their most likely choice of timing for the next defence would be over the Northern Hemisphere winter of 2005-06. That is the time when the Volvo Ocean Race is due to be staged, and it would follow on from The Race, a prestigious non-stop round-the-world event due to end in 2005.
The International Sailing Federation has no control over who organises what, where and when, so there is the prospect of huge conflict over attracting not just the world's best sailors but the sponsorship resources to support the competing events.
