Former America's Cup sailor Dennis Conner predicted a "wonderful" regatta in Auckland "sailed in foiling 60-foot sloops with no involvement" from Larry Ellison and Russell Coutts, but the U.S. "being represented by another billionaire." Conner, a four-time winner of the Auld Mug, "dedicated his latest yachting podcast" to looking at what the '21 format would bring. He said, "I'm hearing rumors about a sloop, maybe in the 60-foot range that could foil. We know if it's light enough and well designed, it could foil" (STUFF, 8/8).
Thousands of people "are expected in Sheffield as the city plays host" to the country's largest disability multi-sport event. The Great Britain Special Olympics will see about 2,600 athletes with learning disabilities compete in 20 sports over four days. Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley "is headlining at the ceremony." The Special Olympics include athletics at the English Institute of Sport, swimming at Pond's Forge int'l pool, torch relay at Weston Park and football at Bramall Lane stadium (BBC, 8/8).
This year's two Int'l Rules tests between Ireland and Australia will be hosted in Adelaide and Perth. The Australian Football League confirmed the two venues on Tuesday morning, with the November series "being the first to incorporate two tests" since '13 (IRISH TIMES, 8/8).
