New Zealand formally challenges Team USA in America's Cup challenge

AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- Team New Zealand has formally challenged Team USA for sailing's America's Cup, submitting its entry ahead of Saturday's deadline for challenges.

Steve Burrett, commodore of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, told its annual meeting Thursday that Team New Zealand will represent the RNZYS at the 35th America's Cup regatta. A venue for the event has yet to be decided.

The challenge had been submitted to San Francisco's Golden Gate Yacht Club, the Cup's official holders.

New Zealand has participated in all but one Cup regatta since 1987, winning the trophy in 1995 and defending it in 2000 before losing it in 2003.

It lost 9-8 to Team USA in last year's Cup final after leading 8-1.