Yachting: Put your money on us, says Mr Ed

By Suzanne McFadden

"We are America's best chance to win the America's Cup."

It is a bold claim, with five United States syndicates in the 11-strong challenger fleet. But it is not one that Young America skipper Ed Baird makes flippantly.

With just over two weeks until the challenger series begins, Baird believes his team will leave their countrymen and women in their wake.

"If you describe how to win the America's Cup, it's through a combination of learning from sailing, learning from research and study, and putting together a talented sailing team," he said.

"Our team come the closest of all the Americans to accomplishing that. And it's not a small difference.

"I'm not beating my chest here - this is the bottom line."

Baird, making his Cup debut behind the wheel of the New York Yacht Club's entry in Auckland, was an insider on the way Team New Zealand ran their winning campaign four years ago.

But the question must be asked: have Young America taken a risk by launching their new generation boats so late in the piece?

Their first boat, USA53, had never been in the water before arriving in town a month ago.

The second boat, USA58, is ready to make its debut sail today.

Young America have a fortnight to decide which of the pair will race in round-robin one.

"The America's Cup is all about risk," Baird said.

"From a sailor's standpoint, I would have liked the boats in the water earlier. But one of the reasons we haven't was the risk - and the expense.

"The risk is, the earlier you build your boat and have it in the water, the less design time you have."

Selecting the boat for the opening round will not be a tough choice, according to Baird.

"Do I know right now which one is faster?

No," he said "But I suspect which one will be. Do I know which one we will race?

"I'm not 100 per cent sure right now - things can change.

"For each round-robin we will always choose the boat that gives us the best chance to win the America's Cup."

Baird quotes what he calls an old adage in America's Cup sailing: "You always run out of time and money."

Money has not necessarily been a problem for the Young Americans, who have been able to sustain their $80 million budget. Of course, they are still looking for a little more.

Who isn't?

Well over half the money has come from private contributions.

While some wealthy individuals have written out cheques with five zeroes at the end, kids have sent in $5 notes.

The backers come from virtually every corner of the United States, and, reckons Baird, there are even some New Zealanders who have generously pitched in.

"So Kiwis, don't be shy! Come and join your friends," he laughed.

There are very generous tax deductions for donations in the United States, but Baird also believes people have given because Young America give something back in return.

"We're doing a tremendous service to the American scientific community - in areas like naval architecture - and educating kids through the Young America programme.

"And maybe people just realise we are America's best chance to win this."