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Is the only good America`s Cup news the bad news? Certainly the latest round of dramas in Cup circles have made for interesting reading, but while the recent mast and keel breakages may look dramatic, the on-going courtroom saga of One World versus Sean Reeves could have more long term and far reaching implications.

On the face of it, David Barnes deposition to the court that Reeves offered him technical information appears to be an action that is supportive of OWC. However the devil is in the detail and Barnes' statement has the potential to do OneWorld far more harm than good. At the heart of the issue is the technical package that Reeves allegedly offered Barnes. It appears that this included a substantial amount of technical information on the four boats that Team New Zealand built between 1994 and 2000.

This included plans of the Millennium Rig (designed by TNZ), as well as a 'next generation' design that Laurie Davidson drew while still at TNZ. The problem with this is that the protocol for the forthcoming cup expressly forbids the transfer of technical data (such as lines plans, measurement certificates, test data), from one syndicate to another. This rule is irrespective of whether the syndicate is no longer in existence (Such as America True), or one that still exists (such as Team New Zealand), indeed the only two syndicates that should be able to carry over data from the last match are TNZ and Prada.

The statement that Barnes has made would seem to suggest that OneWorld were in possession of TNZ technical data and were using it; not entirely surprising given the number of former TNZ technical staff (including Laurie Davidson) employed by OneWorld. This also seems rather more plausible than Reeves firstly having access to all the necessary data whilst at TNZ, and then sitting on it for over a year after he left whilst at OneWorld, before offering to sell it on to the highest bidder. This would also mean OneWorld would appear to be effectively suing Reeves for trying to sell something that wasn't theirs anyway.

Unfortunately use of other syndicates technical data is a violation of article 15.3 of the America's Cup protocol. Theoretically this could lead to both their boats being disqualified, if a link could be established between the evolution of their boats for the forthcoming Cup match, and the Technical data of Team New Zealand. Given the nature of the competition and some of the individuals involved, it would be naive not to think that another court case could quite easily stem from this one, and one that will not help OneWorld at all. It would certainly be a handy way for an America's Cup Syndicate to remove potentially one of the most potent challengers in the forthcoming event.

Are these good sensible changes? This the worst possible news regarding the STAR I had heard that the split of the OSTAR had been suggested, and strongly argued against it Having seen what RWYC have done in essentially demoting the RB&I to a second class event I cannot see that the 'small boat STAR' will do anything but the same.

The comments on 40's are a joke - if I was presently building a 40 or thinking of - it would get five foot added immediately, so I could compete in the bigger event This is a major retrograde step. The big thing about sailing was that the 'small guy/gal' could take on the big boys/girls. This looks like the end of this. The same scenario as has happened in France, where if you don't have a 60ft boat, you are not welcome. But (and it is a BIG BUT) the French have a well organised means of developing solo talent via Mini Transat and Figaro - in the UK there is none.

I can see in the not too distant future that to do the big events you need big money (as always is the case)- or forget it. If you want to move up the ladder of things you will move to France and go the Mini Transat / Figaro solo route and forget any UK based/run races (if there are any left) till you campaign a 60footer What will happen is the rich will get richer (ie attract more sponsors) and the poor will get poorer The 'new 2 STAR' is a good news, however - as long as it remains open to all sizes (I'd not place any money on that) I would love to be proved wrong.

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