History
The Marcel Bich's Challenge 1974- 1977 and 1980
In 1974, two Challengers presented themselves: the Australian boat "Southern
Cross" and the "France." In 1977, four challengers stood
up to the test: two Australian Challengers, "Australia" and
"Gretel," first time Swedish Challenger, Pelle Peterson's "Sverige",
and Baron Bich's French Challenger "France" skippered by Bruno
Troublé.
In 1980, Baron Bich persevered with his America's Cup quest and returned
for a fourth attempt. Again, 4 Challengers were present: "Australia,"
"France III," "Sverige" and the English vessel "Lionheart."
"We really have to win this time," said Marcel Bich with a
smile, "because in 1983 I will be turning 70 and it will be too late."
"France III" was a good boat with a good skipper and a good
team. That year, Marcel Bich's new boat qualified for the final,
which to date remains the greatest achievement of any French boat in the
America's Cup.
After "France III" had arrived in the port having just won
the fourth leg of the qualifiers against "Australia," Bruno
Troublé - as tradition would have it - immediately threw Marcel
Bich into the port waters before joining the "determined"
French Baron himself.
On their return to Newport, following the fifth and final race, when
"France" lost against "Australia," Baron Bich threw
his white, silk jacket in the wake of the boat. It was then picked up
by the Australian crew and handed over to Jim Hardy, who still has it
to this day.
In September of 1980, a letter signed by Henry H. Anderson, Commodore
of the New York Yacht Club and Robert McCullough, Chairman of the America's
Cup Committee, made the following statement:
'Whereas with the acquisition of the Twelve Metre CONSTELLATION and the
opening up of the America's Cup to multiple challenges in 1970, Commodore
Marcel Bich of the Yacht Club d'Hyères ushered in a new era in
the history of the America's Cup both as a competitor and as Commodore
of the Challenger of Record;... ...It gives the New York Yacht Club immense
honour to recognize Baron Marcel Bich and the service which he has rendered
to the Sport of Yacht Racing by bestowing upon him THE NEW YORK YACHT
CLUB MEDAL- an honour reserved for members who have made a contribution
of distinction on behalf of the Club and the Sport.'
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