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'There is no second' America's Cup continues storied tradition
Posted: Friday February 25, 2000 12:47 AM
Joyce Harvey, Special to CNNSI.com AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- Americans have dominated the world in match racing for nearly 150 years, but for the first time since 1851, no American team will challenge or defend the America's Cup. The Italian syndicate Prada prevailed over 11 other yachts, including five American teams, to win the Challenger Series and the right to take on the defending Team New Zealand in a best-of-nine race series. It has been five years since New Zealand's Black Magic swept Dennis Conner's, Stars and Stripes for a 5-0 victory in San Diego. The America's Cup is the oldest trophy in international sports and the ultimate icon of world yachting supremacy. This year marks the 30th challenge for the Cup. Teams now can spend in excess of $70 million on a competition where winners are awarded no prize money, no multi-million dollar salaries or endorsement contracts. They race simply to claim the America's Cup. In The BeginningIn 1851 in Cowes, England, the schooner America triumphed over 14 British yachts in the first 100 Guinea Cup.It was a humiliating defeat for her Majesty's Royal Yacht Squadron. Queen Victoria watched that race from the royal yacht. She saw her beloved British fleet lose to the New York Yacht Club. The Queen is said to have asked who finished second. The now legendary response was, "Your Majesty, there is no second." After America won that first race, the trophy and the regatta took her name, and the "Auld Mug" took up residence in the New York Yacht Club for 132 years. Day One -- Race OneTens of thousands of sailing enthusiasts from around the world have descended on Auckland. A seemingly endless parade of people trek thorough the America's Cup Village. The waterfront is crowed with spectators lined up three-deep not only to get a glimpse the America's Cup yachts but also to gaze upon some of the world's most spectacular super yachts in Auckland for the event.Television monitors and PA speakers line the waterfront so spectators don't miss a beat of the racing. A celebratory atmosphere is everywhere and the festivities seem to start with breakfast and the bars and cafes are crowded long into the night. New Zealand has the highest boat ownership per capita than any other nation in the world. Auckland aptly called the City of Sails. The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron estimates 3,000 spectator boats will cluster about the race course for a first hand look with New Zealanders hoping to be the first non-American yacht to successfully defend the America's Cup. Spectators can only hope for an America's Cup as exciting as the Louis Vuitton Cup finals where it took all nine races to determine the winner. Who is Francesco de Angelis?Francesco De Angelis is the 39-year-old skipper of Italy's Prada Challenge. His first attempt at match racing was just five months ago with the first race of the Louis Vuitton Challenger Series. Five world championships top his resume including the 1995 Admiral's Cup, J-24 World Championship, ILC 40 and One Ton Cup titles. With quiet and organized resolve de Angelis has survived under intense pressure and a very competitive five months of round robin racing to win the Louis Vuitton Cup. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, he involves himself in every aspect of yachting -- from the smallest details of rig tuning to leadership of the crew. However, De Angelis does look for a little luck as well. He admits to being superstitious and wears the same "lucky" shirt and sunglasses for every race. De Angelis, his wife and two children moved to Auckland two years ago but calls Naples, Italy home.
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