Pulling The Plug

The America's Cup will have "at least one fewer challenge than expected" after the withdrawal of Malta Altus. Malta's "first ever challenge" for the Auld Mug has officially "pulled the plug on the operation." Team New Zealand Managing Dir Grant Dalton said in a statement, "This is a disappointing outcome. For them to pull out is not just a shame for the event but also for those people that have worked so hard trying to get this challenge to the start line." Along with the two other late entries in Stars and Stripes Team USA and DutchSail, the Maltese challenge was said to be on "shaky ground" early on in its preparations. Stars and Stripes Team USA and DutchSail have until July 1 to confirm their respective challenges (NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 5/31).

The challenge had the backing of Italian businessman Pasquale Cataldi, who has a real estate business, Altus, based in Florence. Possible Maltese government funding had also been part of the "financial formula" (YACHTING WORLD, 5/30).