Forces ‘trying to sink partnership’

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron claims forces are ‘‘deliberately attempting to undermine’’ its partnership with America’s Cup holders Team New Zealand.

RNZYS commodore Aaron Young issued an update to club members on the rocky ride to get the next America’s Cup regatta organised, with Auckland looking increasingly likely to miss out on hosting the defence of the Auld Mug to an overseas destination.

Young’s message came with a long list of answers to frequently asked questions about the state of play. The squadron remains confident it has dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s in the legal workings of its position as trustee to sport’s oldest trophy.

This comes amid increasing whispers of a legal challenge to try to keep the defence in Auckland, that could question the squadron’s paperwork.

‘‘The RNZYS is confident that it has fulfilled [and continues to fulfil] its fiduciary duties and obligations as the trustee of the America’s Cup. Such suggestion needs to be put in context given it originates from those who are deliberately attempting to undermine the partnership between the club and ETNZ in relation to the America’s Cup,’’ the squadron said. It did not support the concept of running an underfunded event in Auckland and the ‘‘inevitable loss that will result from this approach’’.

Last week Team New Zealand dismissed rich-lister Mark Dunphy’s latest claims of a $40m private fund to help back a defence in Auckland.

The next major date is the November 17 planned release of the protocol – the massive document that outlines the rules and regulations for the boats and event.