A few days after the publication of the protocol for the 36th America's Cup - following the return to monohulls - comes the first prominent Cup battle announcement from America: the US team Quantum Racing, so successful in the 52 Super Series, will be part of the Bella Mente Quantum Racing Association, which intends to present Emirates Team New Zealand with its official Cup challenge under the flag of the New York Yacht Club (NYYC). The NYYC is the record winner of sailing's most important trophy, having won the silver jug on its debut in 1851 with the schooner "America" and only losing it in 1983. The repeated defences over such a long period of time are still regarded as one of the longest winning streaks in sporting history.
For decades, there had been a saying at the traditional American New York Yacht Club: "If the club ever loses the Cup, it should be replaced by the head of the man who lost it." When this New York nightmare actually became reality in 1983, the three-time winner and Mr America's Cup Dennis Conner was spared the guillotine after all. But the sailing world's Oscar went to the Royal Perth Yacht Club Down Under. Since then, the New York Yacht Club has lost its most valuable trophy. The most recent attempt to recapture the silver pride ended in 2003 in Auckland with the early retirement of Cup star Dennis Conner in his last attack.
Now the spectator role is to end. The new syndicate is led by two of the most successful American owners and sailors of the past decade: John J. "Hap" Fauth from Naples in Florida and Quantum Racing's owner and helmsman Doug DeVos from Grand Rapids in Michigan. The latter and his Quantum Racing team have been the benchmark on the professional circuit of the 52 Super Series for years, winning the overall title in 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2016. In the battle for the world championship crown this year, however, Quantum Racing had to bow to its sparring partners: the title was won by the "Platoon" of Hamburg-based owner and helmsman Harm Müller-Spreer.
Quantum skipper Terry Hutchinson is also the skipper and CEO of the Bella Mente Quantum Racing Association and a long-standing member of the New York Yacht Club. John Fauth has won the World Championship in the Maxi-72 class three times with his yachts named "Bella Mente", among many other successes. NYYC Commodore Philip A. Lotz said: "The America's Cup has always been close to the heart of the New York Yacht Club. We trust that the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, represented by Emirates Team New Zealand, will host a world-class regatta that honours the spirit, tradition and dignity of this great event." And designated skipper Terry Hutchinson knows: "The early support from Hap, Doug and the New York Yacht Club puts us in a strong position." That sounds like a refreshing challenge to New Zealand.
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
