Painting by Russ Kramer of action onboard the yacht Intrepid, defender of the 1970 America’s Cup
“I think that the skipper gets far too much credit in the America’s Cup. The credit, if it is due for anything, should be due for selecting the crew. Our crew was probably the youngest to ever defend the Cup, averaging 23 years of age, and they were a wonderful group.
It was the individuality of the crews and skippers that made the 12-Meter competition so enjoyable. In the Intrepid days, we were unfettered by demands from the sponsors or television scheduling. We saw the thrill of competing for the America’s Cup and striving to win it as a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Bill Ficker – winning America’s Cup helmsman on Intrepid, (1970)
