New Zealand Reporter Challenges Conner to Match Race in Mini-12s
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FREMANTLE, Australia — Dennis Conner’s least-favorite reporter has challenged him to a match race.
The San Diego sailor had a heated exchange with Michael Coupe of New Zealand Monday night over Conner’s suggestion that the Kiwis’ fiberglass 12-meter was intentionally illegal.
Wednesday, Coupe sent Conner a letter responding to his comment: “If you’re such an expert, why aren’t you up here (on the skippers’ dais) sailing a boat?”
Coupe wrote: “I feel obliged to accept your challenge.”
Coupe proposed a race in the one-man mini-12-meters available for rent on the inland Swan River estuary fronting Perth.
“I should point out that the mini-12s are constructed in fiberglass,” Coupe added.
Conner did not immediately respond.
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