Director of Operations:
Bill Trenkle
(US)
Helmsman:
Ken Read
(US)
Dennis Conner has competed in every America's Cup since 1974. Although he sailed out of San Diego in the past, Conner has for this campaign enlisted the backing of the New York Yacht Club of which he has been
a member for 20 years.
The America's Cup was won by an NYYC vessel, the schooner
America
, in 1851 in England. Yachts flying the club flag held the trophy for 132 years until 1983, when Australia II defeated Liberty skippered by Conner.
Ken Read, who skippered Conner's Stars and Stripes in Auckland in 1999 is back at the helm.
The 2002 Louis Vuitton regatta is the first time since 1987 that Conner has had the benefit of two boats, a practice he originated in 1980.
The crew trained off Long Beach, California before relocating to their New Zealand compound.
History
After losing the Auld Mug in 1983 to the Australians and their winged keel, Conner formed the first Stars and Stripes challenge and headed for Fremantle and revenge. A 4-0 win by Conner over Iain Murray and Kookaburra III returned the Cup to the States, but to San Diego, not New York. Without the Cup for nearly 20 years, the New York Yacht Club want it back.
Crew
The syndicate boasts 60 employees, including 32 sailors - all Americans. It is not known yet whether Conner will "drive" the boat or hand the helm to Ken Read or Peter Isler. Conner surrounds himself with many long-serving crew members, including tactician Terry Hutchinson and Tom Whidden in the afterguard.
Money
Budgets are a hush-hush topic around the S&S base, although a figure of $85 million has been mentioned. They do admit though, that New York-based software company Computer Associates is their only "platinum" sponsor. They have lower-level support from gold and silver sponsors as well as many "suppliers".
Strengths
A ton of experience and the advantage of mounting a two-boat challenge for the first time since 1987. Unlike other syndicates, they have not spent much time in Auckland and went onto the water only in January this year. They must also bounce back from the setback of USA77's sinking. The Dennis Conner factor is a real strength when the tough get going.
Prospects
They are playing it cagey, giving nothing away. It is always difficult to know what to expect from Conner and his crew, but who would count them out of the last four? New York Yacht Club commodore Charles Dana is making the trip Downunder, so he must be expecting something.
New boats:
USA-66
,
launched Jan 11, 2002
USA-77
, sank July 23, refloated
Designer: Reichel/Pugh
Hull colour: navy blue
Trial horse:
USA-54
(ex Abracadbra from the 1999 Louis Vuitton challenge)
Club:
New York Yacht Club
, New York City, USA
Team website
