the cup changes hands | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Architect | Johan Valentijn |
| Builder | Newport Offshore Ltd |
| Owner | Edward I. du Moulin |
| Club | New York Yacht Club |
| Skipper | Dennis Conner |
| Type | 12 MJI |
| Length HT | 21.15 m |
| Draft | 2.73 m |
| Displacement | 28.35 tons |
| Sail area | 173 m2 |
Australia 2
Challenger KA 6
Australia 2
| Architect | Ben Lexcen |
| Builder | Steve Ward Yard |
| Owner | Alan Bond |
| Club | Royal Perth Yacht club |
| Skipper | John Bertrand |
| Type | 12 MJI |
| Length HT | 21 m |
| Draft | 2.76 m |
| Displacement | 27 tons |
| Sail area | 172 m2 |
The winner
Australia 2 faced protests from the Americans regarding compliance with the deed of gift rules, but was ultimately accepted as a challenger. Its wing keel was hidden during each exit to maintain suspense. During the first two races, Australia faced technical problems and was dominated by Liberty. It won the third race, then the fifth and sixth. The seventh was therefore decisive. On the penultimate leg, the tacks continued, but Australia maintained its lead by covering each of Liberty's tacks. On the final leg under spinnaker, it confirmed its lead and crossed the finish line with a 41-second lead. The cup had changed sides.
the looser
Liberty skippered by Dennis Conner is a good boat that easily wins the American trials against Courageous and Defender.
But Australia 2 is faster in final legs of the races and win 4-3