Forty years ago about this date we towed to Newport for the start of the selection trials to defend the America's Cup.
We had had a small regatta in Marblehead over the Memorial day weekend in which "Courageous" was faster on every point of sail. Reggie Pierce looked up from the grinder handles and quipped: "It's going to be a long summer". Those words proved to be prophetic.
"Independence" was supposed to be the anointed defender. The rest is history.
"Intrepid" will celebrate 50 years.
When someone from the sailing fraternity passes it naturally gives you pause. Bobby Connell in in some of the photos above (with a cigarette) How many others do you recognize?
Posted on April 20, 2012 Categories offshore sailingTags bermuda, bob connell, carina, charisma, cowes, dennis connor, ocean racing, sorc, ted turnerLeave a comment on HOW MANY DO YOU REMEMBER?