America’s Cup Challenger : Cubans Release Ship Carrying Yacht

MIAMI — A merchant ship carrying the America’s Cup racing yacht New Zealand was released from Cuban custody and escorted into international waters Wednesday, less than a day after its seizure, the Coast Guard said.

The brief detention was “the maritime equivalent of ‘pull you over and check your license,’ ” said Barney White, a spokesman for the merchant ship’s agent, Zapata Gulf Marine of Houston.

The Coast Guard said the ship, Tampa Sea Horse, which was seized Tuesday, is proceeding to New York. The Cubans claimed it was in their territorial waters, although the shipping firm denied that.

Coast Guard Lt. Jeff Karonis said the Tampa Sea Horse departed from the Cuban port at 12:40 p.m. EDT Wednesday and the Cuban harbor pilots left 20 minutes later.

“They (crew members) said they were seized, the vessel was inspected and their passports were checked,” Karonis said after the Coast Guard in Miami talked to the ship by radio.

“The Cubans claimed their vessel was 9 miles offshore,” Karonis said. Cuba claims a 12-mile territorial limit.

“The information we have right now is that they are still going to New York,” he said. “We have not been asked to meet them.”

The ship is expected to reach New York on Monday afternoon, depending on sea and weather conditions, White said.

Last month the New Zealand lost its challenge for the America’s Cup in races off San Diego that were as hotly contested in court as on the water. The New Zealand is twice as long as the 12-meter boats that have competed for the Cup in recent years.

The defending Sail America syndicate of San Diego countered with the catamaran Stars & Stripes, which easily defeated the larger monohull.

The New Zealand was disassembled for its voyage on the 160-foot U.S.-registered merchant ship, officials said.

The 133-foot boat was en route from San Diego to New York City for a 10-day stop and then a tour of East Coast cities.

The Cubans seized the vessel off the southeastern tip of Cuba without firing shots or using force, saying it had violated the country’s 12-mile territorial limit, the Coast Guard said. It was detained in Puerto Cayo Moa, Cuba.

The captain radioed an urgent appeal Tuesday at 3 p.m. EDT to the Coast Guard, insisting he was in international waters, but Coast Guard officers advised him to comply with the Cubans, said Coast Guard spokesman Dan Vogeley.

Cuba detains foreign ships as often as once a month for trespassing in its waters, but the vessels and crew members usually are quickly released, said Coast Guard Lt. Wayne Ball in Miami.