Fans thrilled as underdog bites Alinghi

By KATHERINE HOBY and WAYNE THOMPSON

"Give me an O. Give me an R ... " cried the woman on the foredeck of a gleaming charter vessel and 3000 people at the boat entrance to the Viaduct Harbour screamed the letters spelling Oracle back at the impromptu cheerleader.

When the American yacht entered the Viaduct Harbour after beating Swiss syndicate challenger Alinghi, the crowd clapped and cheered the crew and particularly its skipper, New Zealander Chris Dickson.

A score of Americans yelled themselves hoarse each time a hand waved back at them from Oracle or a spectator boat, many of which were packed with New Zealanders.

On the other hand, the Alinghi support crew's boat came in to berth without applause and when one of its crew weakly waved to the crowd, few lifted a hand in response.

Those cheering on Oracle's crew gave varied reasons for their fervent support.

"I'm happy Chris Dickson is back in the race and doing well," said Aucklander Matt Douglas. "And also I don't like the Alinghi people jumping ship."

Graeme Teasdale, of Napier, said he was pleased for Oracle because he liked Dickson more than the Alinghi skipper, New Zealander Russell Coutts.

A Canterbury couple who called themselves Brendan and Vicki said they were pleased that Dickson was at last getting the recognition he deserved as a good competitor.

Kerry Ashby, of Auckland, said he was glad Oracle had had a win, not because of any dislike for Alinghi's crew but because it would be wonderful and just if a United States boat got to square off against Team New Zealand for the America's Cup.

"America has put in three teams in support of this event and it would be nice if the spirit of Dennis Conner was kept alive during the event."

Paul de Rijk, of Tauranga, said he favoured Oracle because the design of their boat seemed more original.

"I'm a bit against Coutts because their boat looks a lot like Team New Zealand's boat."

Gisborne resident Kris O'Conner said she had felt sorry for Dickson and his team when they narrowly lost on Wednesday.

This was echoed by Gavin Hartslief, an Australian visitor. And Aucklander Sailesh Budhia said: "It's good to know Alinghi isn't invincible and today's result gives a more balanced competition."

He had been disappointed, he said, with the New Zealanders who had decided to sail for Alinghi.

Stan Winkley, of Auckland, said it was a great result because it made the contest more interesting. He did not care which of the two challengers won the Louis Vuitton trophy.

Alastair and Diana McIlrick, of Wellington, said they were sticking with Dickson because they thought he had been unlucky in previous America's Cup regattas.

"He is one of the better sailors we have," said Mr McIlrick.

Confidence was high among Americans and Oracle supporters alike at the Viaduct Harbour as the yachts set out yesterday for race four.

Some who had previously felt Alinghi were unbeatable were buoyed by Wednesday's close finish.

Helen Schuyler, from Wisconsin, stood proudly waving a small American flag.

She and husband Bill had made a special trip to Auckland to cheer on the Oracle crew as they battled to win a race.

"They have showed us they can do it and it can be close," she said. "Those boys just need a little bit of Stars and Stripes luck."

Jane Hudson, of Remuera, said she had watched the close race result with interest.

"That's what's got me interested," she said.

"Close racing is interesting racing, especially to us landlubbers. We want more of that."

A security guard, who did not want to be named, said Wednesday's tight tussle had created more of a buzz.

A group of yachting fans from Wellington said they had no favourite for the Louis Vuitton trophy. "It's just that Oracle have the underdog vote now," Ralph Hunter said. "People who don't care who wins often latch on to the underdog. They could win a race - definitely.

"And I want them to - to keep the action alive and exciting."

Staff from other syndicates already knocked out of the action watched curiously as the yachts were towed out to the start of the race course in the Hauraki Gulf.

"Go for it, Alinghi," screamed one Swiss supporter, who declined to be named.

"You can do it, boys. Make us proud."

Not surprisingly, she backed the syndicate to win all its races against Oracle.

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