CC MEMO -- "Sausalito Challenge 2007" Bows Out

The statement issued this afternoon by Sausalito Challenge 2007 sent with kind regards to the Challenger Commission by John Sweeney and their CC rep who has been Ashley Tobin:


April 29, 2005 – Sausalito, CA

The Sausalito Challenge 2007, founded By Tina Kleinjan, John Sweeney and Nic Clarke was unable to formally enter to challenge for the 32nd America's Cup. The team had long ago promised itself to stand by its goals to only fully process their final entry if partnered with a corporate sponsor who also shared their vision.

Unfortunately, none of the companies in which the Challenge had been in discussions with could commit in time to support the team’s strong efforts. Sadly, the dream of fielding a second US team has now come to an end. Co-Founder, John Sweeney officially notified America’s Cup Management that it would be unable to make the deadline.

The Sausalito Challenge 2007 announced its plans to become a Challenger in December of 2003, following the success of the 2002-2003 Challenge Series events held by the Sausalito Yacht Club. These groundbreaking fleet racing regattas on windy San Francisco Bay provided the idea and vision for the new format of the America's Cup fleet racing. John Sweeney and Tina Kleinjan saved and restored four, 1992 America's Cup yachts that
became the backbone of the San Francisco IACC Fleet. The team became famous for its eBay auction which was spearheaded by Tim Prouty of the Sausalito Yacht Club. On December 17th 2004, the membership of Sausalito Yacht Club led by Commodore Marge Bottari unanimously approved the Sausalito Challenge 2007 as its official challenge.

The team has been asked to consider and will therefore immediately focus into merging with an official challenger and hopes to carry the Sausalito Yacht Club burgee and members to help support another strong team.

Special mention and thanks must be given to many other important members of The Sausalito Challenge - Sponsorship Manager, Alex Gartner and the legal team of Ashley Tobin and Stefano Feltrin who tirelessly searched the globe and led important discussions with sponsors. Doug Robbins of UBS Financial services helped the team meet seemingly impossible financial deadlines. Back in New Zealand, John Morgan, the Team's Design Director has continued to work to fine-tune and finalize the team’s new AC yacht design.

Finally, The Sausalito Challenge would like to thank its supporters, friends and family and most importantly the membership and the board of the Sausalito Yacht Club for their unwavering support and for sharing the vision.

The Sausalito Challenge 2007 wishes all of the Official Challengers the best of luck and success in their quest for the America’s Cup.