America’s Cup Endures Its Fifth Postponement

AUCKLAND, New Zealand —  This could be the America’s Cup that never ends.

Race 4 was postponed for the fifth time today, this time because the wind on the Hauraki Gulf went from a whisper to a roar. Counting two off days, Alinghi of Switzerland and two-time defending champion Team New Zealand haven’t raced in a week.

The five postponements have taken the steam out of Alinghi’s march toward sailing history. The Swiss team has a 3-0 lead in the best-of-nine series and is trying to return the America’s Cup to Europe for the first time in 152 years.

“It’s stopped the momentum of the event,” said Tony Thomas, head of the America’s Cup organizing committee. “Let’s hope we get some racing soon. We’re all getting cabin fever.”

Later in the day, anti-terror police issued a public warning after letters containing cyanide crystals and white powder were seized by postal workers. The letters, addressed to the U.S. Embassy and the British and Australian High Commissions in the capital of Wellington, referred to “actions” that could occur if Iraq was attacked. The letters mentioned the America’s Cup races.

“It’s quite a serious situation, and we wouldn’t want to take it lightly,” said Jon White, head of New Zealand’s counterterrorism squad.

Today’s race was called off more than five hours before the scheduled starting time. The forecast was for wind of 23 knots on the gulf, northeast of downtown Auckland, and gusting to 30. Rain and a gray gloom enveloped Auckland.

Organizers discussed whether to try to race Wednesday, but decided to keep it as a scheduled day off. Conditions could be even worse then and Thursday.

Friday might be the earliest day the committee can try to get the race in.