AMERICAONE COLLECTS FIFTH WIN

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, January 9, 2000 – AmericaOne, the San Francisco-based St. Francis Yacht Club’s America’s Cup 2000 challenger, won its fifth match of the series against Le Defi Francais (FRA 46) by 1m 16s. The second round of pairings for the Semi-Finals commenced today. AmericaOne’s victory was its second over Le Defi Francais in the Semi-Finals.

It was a perfect day on the Hauraki Gulf with sunny skies and fair weather clouds. After an initial postponement by the Race Committee, the wind direction settled and the breeze reached 7 knots. AmericaOne gained an advantage as they entered the starting box ahead of Bertrand Pac