University of Rhode Island - Renaissance / Grist Yearbook (Kingston, RI)

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The America’s Cup . . . Gone With The Wind 1983 was the year America lost a prized possession that it had held for nearly 125 years. The America’s Cup was taken away by the crew of the Australian yacht “Australia II.” The yacht itself was the topic of controversy throughout the trials. The keel, which had wings protruding from its sides, was said to be illegal. After several meetings with the New York Yachting Association, the claims were dismissed and the grand finale between the U.S. yacht “Liber- ty” and the Aussies yacht “Australia II” was set. America jumped to a three to one advantage and things were looking good for Captain Dennis Conner and his crew. However, a change from heavy winds to light winds shifted the advantage to the Aussies, due to the fact they had a lighter yacht. Australia sailed to three straight vic- tories, sinking Americas hopes to re- tain the Cup. America will have to wait three years to see if she can get back what had been hers so long. This time however, the advantage of home waters are with the Australians, for the race will be held off the coast of Perth. Geof Reilley