America's Cup History Continues on the San Diego Bay
Underway on the San Diego Bay
The Stars & Stripes USA - 11 Returns to San Diego
By Ramona d'Viola & Stephanie Thompson
Arguably the most recognizable name in sailing, Dennis Conner has won—and lost—the America’s Cup more times than any other sailor to date. After a reign of 132 years on American soil, the “Auld Mug” was lost to Australia in 1983. In 1992, when Conner would again be defending the trophy—this time in San Diego—“Mr. America’s Cup” found himself woefully under-funded against Bill Koch’s well-capitalized syndicate. The billionaire would outspend Conner nearly 10-to-1. Still, Conner’s lone entry in the qualifying Citizen’s Cup races, Stars & Stripes USA - 11, made it to the finals before being defeated by Koch’s America3.
Designed by David Pedrick and built by Eric Goetz, Conner continued to sail USA - 11 as a trial horse in his 1995 America’s Cup campaign before selling her to the US Virgin Islands America’s Cup Challenge. After surviving several hurricanes in the islands—including one which sunk her—USA - 11 was purchased, shipped back to Miami, stripped of all her gear and completely refurbished. In 2002, Stars & Stripes USA - 11 was a member of the San Francisco Challenge Series fleet, before returning to San Diego in late 2006
Stars & Stripes USA-11 Stats
Built by Goetz Custom Boats, Bristol, Rhode Island 1991
LOA: 76 feet
Beam: 17 feet
Draw: 13 feet
Keel Weight: 40,000 lbs
Displacement: 48,000 lbs
Engine: Yanmar 75hp (added later)
Sail Area: 3,500 sq feet
Hull: Carbon fiber w/Nomex core
Mast & Boom: Carbon fiber
Sail Material: Kevlar
Running Rigging: Kevlar
Crew Biographies
Captain Lynn Hanna
Transplanted Texan, Captain Lynn Hanna is a retired IT professional who decided sailing was a better alternative to retirement. A former Marine Corps officer, Hanna worked in both southern California and Texas before making San Diego his permanent home in 2003. Having owned two medium size cruising sailboats in San Diego and Texas, Hanna is now a licensed 100-ton captain and has worked as captain of IACC charter boats since 2004.
Captain Annie Nelson
1995 Women’s America’s Cup team navigator, Captain Annie Nelson is regarded as one of the best women sailors in the world. With dozens of wins, titles and women’s firsts to her credit, the native Floridian has been competing in big boat races for over 30 years. Nelson is a sought after skipper and team-builder who regularly organizes women’s sailing events throughout the United States and the Caribbean. As a member of the 1984 Olympic team, Nelson garnered a silver medal in the Board Sailing exhibition and holds five world titles. Named Yachtswoman of the Year in 2006, Nelson brings her considerable talents, and good spirits to the Sail USA-11 crew.
Read more on the 2011 San Diego America's Cup Races
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