Sailing: Admiral's Cup blueprint

THE BLUEPRINT for what could be Britain's strongest challenge for the Admiral's Cup since they won the event 10 years ago was outlined yesterday. A new management structure, a crew squad system, and a full six-month racing schedule has been underpinned by a six-figure sponsorship from Chernikeeff Networks, a computer network integration company.

The British team will be co-ordinated by a four-man board, headed by former America's Cup skipper Harold Cudmore and captained by Stephen Bailey, who is also providing the mid-size Sydney 40, on which Chris Law will be the tactician and Graham Bailey the principal helmsman.

A new 50-footer, designed by Bruce Farr to the latest rules and managed by Keith McCullagh, is being built at Hamble, for which Peter Morton, one of the management group, will be skipper and Neal McDonald the helmsman. It is hoped that the rest of the top 50-footers will come to the Solent for a series of warm up regattas in May and June.

The Champagne Mumm Admiral's Cup, decided by a series of six inshore and two offshore races, is being staged in Cowes from 12 July, the first year it has been separated from Cowes Week and without the Fastnet Race finale. The organising Royal Ocean Racing Club hopes for eight to 12 national teams of three boats, including the United States.