General Manager:
David Barnes (NZ)
Skipper:
Ian Walker (Britain)
Helmsmen:
Andy Green (Britain), Andy Beadsworth (Britain)
The first British campaign for the Cup since 1987, GBR Challenge is led by computer entrepreneur Peter Harrison, who made an initial share investment and sponsorship commitment of
£8.5 million.
He also purchased a boatyard and established a training base at
Cowes
on the Isle of Wight -- where in 1851 the schooner
America
won the 100-guinea cup, later to be called America's Cup.
Olympic silver medallist Ian Walker is sailing manager and New Zealander David Barnes manages the campaign.
History
The British were in from the start when, in 1851, 16 vessels representing the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes raced the innovative schooner America. The British lost and the cup headed westwards and remained there until the Australians beat the New York Yacht Club in 1983.
Crew
The majority of the crew are British "because they are the best". They are short on America's Cup experience, though, with only five of those involved in the GBR Challenge having previous Cup experience. Skipper Ian Walker has been an Olympic silver medallist twice. Kiwi general manager David Barnes brings a wealth of experience, but he will not be on the water. They have Australian Bill Edgerton as their match-racing coach.
Crew includes:
Chris Main, strategist (NZ)
Money
A fixed budget of $70 million should ensure there will be no money concerns. They have a group of sponsors who have donated "cash and kind" to give their challenge the greatest possible support. The British, should they be successful and earn the right to defend in 2006, estimate there would be a more than $2 billion benefit to the British economy.
Strengths
The British are counting on their design team coming up with a boat capable of going all the way. They see design as the key to winning the America's Cup, but say they can back that with a crew ready to mount a serious challenge. They also point to New Zealander Barnes as giving them an edge.
Prospects
If money means anything, the British will be right in this. On and off the water, their return to the America's Cup means plenty for the proud seafaring nation. Their sights are set on the semifinals initially. After that, who knows? Realistically, though, their chances might be better next time.
New boats:
GBR-70 Wight Lightning
,
launched April 13, 2002
GBR-78 Wight Magic
Designers: British group led by Derek Clark and Jo Richards
Hull colours: silver and navy
Trial horses:
GBR-44 and GBR-52 (from the 2000 regatta) and one from 1995, all purchased from Nippon Challenge.
Club:
Royal Ocean Racing Club
Team website
