Bertrand sees history repeat in America's Cup

By TERRY MADDAFORD

John Bertrand sees the new era of America's Cup yachting as a mirror of racing in the early years of the 20th century. Sadly, for him, Australia has been left behind.

The hero of Australian yachting in 1983 when he broke a 132-year winning streak to beat Dennis Conner and take the Auld Mug away from American waters for the first time, Bertrand is saddened by the absence of a challenge in 2002 - but hopes the Australians will be back.

In Auckland to race Conner in New Zealand waters for the first time as rivals in the New Zealand Etchells Championships, which start today off Gulf Harbour, Bertrand said many of the early America's Cup races were bankrolled by the rich and famous.

"Unless Australia can find someone like a Packer or a Murdoch to back a challenge - and we are probably talking something around $50 million - they are going to struggle to match the money being poured in by the big syndicates," Bertrand said.

"Team New Zealand are now in a rare position in having sponsors rather than one benefactor backing them.

"The America's Cup is still the ultimate sailing contest, although - from a purist's point of view - the Olympics provide the biggest challenge."

Bertrand's second claim to yachting fame came in 1995 off San Diego when OneAustralia sank to a watery grave. He admitted he had "pushed the envelope too far."

"There are a lot of things we would have done differently.

"Another 20kg of carbon [used in the construction] was all that was needed. It [the sinking] was tragic for the programme, but the America's Cup is a high-risk venture.

"I'm grateful we did not lose anybody."

And Team New Zealand's chances of a successful defence?

"They can retain it, but it's going to be tough," Bertrand said.

"In Tom Schnackenberg they have one of the best. I expect Dean Barker will be strong and hungry. And Auckland has one of the best facilities in the world."

Bertrand is here with his Etchell and yachting buddies Ernie Lawrence and Bill Browne.

"Racing these boats is great," he said. "They are not too unlike the [now former] Olympic Soling class.

"The racing will be highly competitive. The three- or four-man [depending on the crews' weight] keel boats produce the highest level of amateur racing in the world."

With 55 boats heading for the startline of the seven-race series, sailed on a course similar to the now-established double up-and-back and over four legs of about 3200m, Bertrand said it is "high-adrenaline racing with the start vital."

Two races will be sailed over the first three days, with the last on Sunday.

Bertrand and his mates are just one of 22 Australian crews ready for battle.

Herald Online feature: America's Cup