As the designer of the new Australian challenger for the Little America's I was bitterly disappointed with the decision of the trustees to reject our challenge, as was the rest of the team. We have been working steadily for approximately two years to get to the stage where we could challenge. During this time we kept the trustees up to speed with our progress. The first we heard about this new event was after our challenge was rejected. We certainly were not encouraged in any way by the trustees and this may be part of the reason why you have not seen any activity since 1996.

The international catamaran challenge trophy is about who can build the fastest boat on the planet. It is not about who can stitch up the best sponsorship deal to sell one design cats. If the promoters of this new event don't have metal to defend the ICCT then they should have forfeited the trophy and sent it to Perth in the mail.

Despite what these blokes think they don't "own" the Little America's Cup the hold it in trust for all the world's sailors. This move is a travesty and a betrayal of the heritage of the event.

It is to the great credit of Steve Clark and the Cogito team that they have decided to defend the their trophy

Damien Smith

Project Naval Architect
Australian Catamaran challenge