History
How one man's vision changed the competition
In 1964 France awakened to a new sailing era following the victory of
Eric Tabarly in the second Observer Single-Handed Transatlantic Race (OSTAR).
His feat proved to be the catalyst for future generations of French sailors
who would go on to navigate the globe. It would be years, however, until
the subtlety of "match racing" between two boats, the essence
of the America's Cup, was fully understood.
During that same period, Marcel Bich, the French business man who launched
the famous BIC® Cristal ballpoint pen, was looking at photos of the
America's Cup and the boats fascinated him. In 1965 he decided to buy
the "Sovereign," the English Challenger from the 1964 America's Cup, and
introduced his crew to the wonders of a race between two boats.
Before long, the Hyeres and TrinitÈ-sur-Mer Clubs became the training
grounds for his future Americaís cup campaigns. Three legendary 12 metre
J-class yachts, old Defenders and Challengers of the Americaís Cup, were
united in the water: the "Constellation," the "Sovereign" and the "Kurrewa."
All the ingredients for a one-on-one duel were then brought together in Newport, Rhode Island ‚ strategy, tactics and the latest technology crossed the Atlantic to satisfy Marcel Bich and his competitive spirit.
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