Ask one hundred people which they think was the best edition of the America’s Cup and you will most likely get a wide range of suggestions. Some would doubtless say the 1983 edition when John Bertrand’s intrepid Australian staged a comeback victory that ended the USA’s 132-year stranglehold on sailing’s oldest and most prestigious trophy. Others might suggest the following edition in 1987, when American skipper Dennis Conner became the first person to win the Cup back after previously losing it.
Others still would cite the 2007 edition in Valencia, when an amazing 11 challengers fought it out in the Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Series before Alinghi prevailed over Emirates Team New Zealand in the Final Match. I was there for that one and can attest to the incredible atmosphere that prevailed throughout – due in no small way to the layout of the team bases around the harbour basin in Valencia. These were all great America’s Cups – as were a multitude of others that people might choose as their favourite edition.
For me the standout edition was the 34th America’s Cup staged on San Francisco Bay. Now before you throw your hands up in horror, let me explain. AC34 was the first time that I really felt a part of the America’s Cup. In 2007 I was a complete rookie, and even though in 2010 in Valencia I knew a lot more, that DoG Match between the Americans and the Swiss was a strange affair all round. After working on the 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race together, my (now) wife and I decided to move to San Francisco so that we could immerse ourselves in the event. I reported AC34 from onsite and my wife was hired to run the on-the-water hospitality boat programme. We ended up spending 12 months in that fabulous city and along the way we met many people who have become friends for life.
