Eagle / America’s Cup Update : Is Conner Just Conning in Praising Competitor?

Dennis Conner has had nothing but good things to say about Eagle, the Newport Harbor Yacht Club’s America’s Cup entry, since it outsailed Conner’s Stars & Stripes ’85 in a five-boat fleet race recently.

“I was surprised by Eagle’s superiority,” Conner said.

However, that may be part of a con by Conner. He’ll be sailing his newest boat, Stars & Stripes ‘87, when the serious racing starts Oct. 5.

Other boats in the group were Britain’s Crusader, Italy’s Azzurra and Australia’s Steak & Kidney.

Eagle went back out to race with Canada II Monday but returned because the wind was too light. The next day was spent pulling the mast for routine maintenance and inspection. America II and Australia II have expressed interest in sailing with Eagle.