American Notes SPORT

The Russians are coming! Not in nuclear submarines but in a 65-ft. sailboat that Moscow is entering in the 1992 America's Cup competition off San Diego. Yachting fans are delighted at the Soviets' first-ever appearance. But there is one embarrassing hitch: the federal Port Security Committee, invoking a 20- year-old antispying policy, has barred the Soviets from San Diego Bay, home of a major naval base.

The order will prevent the Soviets from berthing in the bay or engaging in practice races there. But they will be allowed to dock in nearby Mission Bay. They may also be permitted to sail into San Diego Bay under escort for boat weighings and -- perhaps -- for the victory ceremony.