  |
Considering the disappointment associated with the ’92 challenge
it was surprising that two New Zealand challengers were announced for
AC 1995.
Chris Dixon, the ‘U-boat commander’ and hero of the 1987 ‘first-up’ effort
was back sailing for New Zealand in a one-boat, low budget effort backed
in spirit by the Tutukaka South Pacific Yacht Club and very few financial
sponsors.
Further south, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron flag flew with
Team New Zealand, a Peter Blake led group of veterans from previous
campaigns, with a new philosophy in attaining the magic mix of design
genius and sailing perfection with a two-boat campaign.
Formidable challengers from other countries tempered any outrageous
pre-contest statements about Kiwi chances. However as the challenger
series progressed and Team New Zealand’s BLACK MAGIC II NZL 38
was continually knocking opponents over like bottles on a wall.
The good feeling again engulfing the little country ‘down under’ was
well and truly justified when the ‘BLACK BOAT’ swept all
before it, handsomely winning the right to challenge the defender YOUNG
AMERICA. And from the start of the first race of the 1995 America’s
Cup regatta, it was obvious that Team New Zealand had got it right!
As I painted the Black Boat sheeting in for another smooth leeward
mark rounding, I kept thinking of two words; “PURE MAGIC”.
They sit nicely with a five-zip score line! |
|
|
© 2007 Jim Bolland – All rights reserved
|
