Pajot replaced at the helm

SAILING

The internal war which has undermined France's America's Cup challenge boiled over at the weekend as Marc Pajot was removed from the job of helmsman, and given the task of adjusting the mainsail in the continuing Louis Vuitton Cup races.

Pajot insists the decision was his, but his tactician and starting helmsman, Bertrand Pace, was also replaced by Thierry Peponnet, with Franois Brenac taking over as principal helmsman.

However, the new team were beaten by oneAustralia, in second place overall with Chris Dickson's Tag Heuer, who beat Nippon Challenge despite surrendering the lead and control at the start. That left Nippon fourth overall, with three to run in the third round-robin.