I went to all but race 7 in 1983. I sailed out for race 7 with the fleet but it was postponed do to lack of wind so i sailed from the race grounds back to guilford Ct. It was a great experience to see the whole scene in newport. The Aussies are great party animals. I thought it was good that Australia won and even better when Conner won it back from them. There were some great cup defenders leike Intrepid and courageous and Freedom. Many thought the older freedom was a more capable all around boat than liberty which of course lost it. Austarlia ll was a big inovation. It also had a great crew and captain. What Stars and Stripes did to develop a boat to win it back in 87 was really a phenominal show of engineering , sailing and financing efforts. They built 3 trial horses then incorporated all the best in Stars and Stripes 55 which was a remarkeable boat for sailing off the coast of Austarlia. Conner , although disliked by many many many...
was a great captain and redeemed himself by winning it right back in 87.
After that it all went to hell with rules becoming court battles and really stupid boats being built. That era ruined the reputation of the Cup as we knew it.
Anyway , its not coming to newport. All that infrastructure that handled it in 83 is all shopping centers and condos now. i didn't like the whole Fort Adams thing. leave that for the everyday people. Let the gazzilionaires buy and develop private property.
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