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

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Politicians Battle It Out The question people in America are asking nowadays “Who is go- ing to lead the nation for the next four years?’’ Well, election time will soon be here and the politicians are busily canvassing the United States try- ing to drum up support. Ronald Reagan is campaigning for yet another term in the White House. His charismatic leadership will offer tough competition for the battling Democrats, who are each vying for the party’s nomination. URI journalism students covered first-hand some of the heavy democratic politicing going on in New Hampshire, where the primaries are the first in the nation and the area residents pride themselves on that fact. The eight major contenders for the Democrat presidential ticket were: Reubin Askew, George McGovern, Fritz Hollings, Alan Cranston, John Glenn, Jesse Jackson, Gary Hart and Walter (Fritz) Mondale. As the weeks progressed and the primaries moved from state to state, three fighters have emerged from the battleground. Former Vice President in the Carter Ad- ministration, Walter Mondale, ap- pears to be the frontrunner. However the “new ideas” can- didate, Gary Hart, has been giving Mondale a run for his money. Jesse Jackson has gained tremen- dous headway in the campaign with his “rainbow coalition.” Jackson has remained in the limelight of media coverage as the first Black contender for the highest office in the land. He has also organized a large-scale voter registration drive around the country. But alas, who will emerge trium- phant? Only the polls will tell. Dawn Mirone 14 Special Events