60754    "If there is something you want to do, then it's basically a good thing if you can do it."

60755    While they were traveling in Bolivia he told his wife about his plans for the Great Journey, which was three years before he embarked upon it, to which she replied, "It would be one thing if you were in your twenties, but don't you think it's a stupid thing to do when you're in your forties?"

60756    Yet she did not object to his plans.

60757    The year 1995.

60758    The time has come to write a new page in the history of the America's Cup as the 29th competition approaches.

60759    The hearts of the sailors race as they carry on 144 years of tradition; new life has been brought in by the first ever all-women's crew, and the 11 syndicates, comprising 6 countries, willing to go all the way to win the sole honor, the "One Hundred Guinea" Cup, have high expectations.

60760    You can feel the adrenaline coursing through those partaking in the competition as the time draws near.

60761    What performances are awaiting us now at the regatta's location on the quiet waters around San Diego in the United States?

60762    The Nippon Challenge is back for a second time after competing in the previous regatta held in 1992.

60763    Starting from their previous defeat in the semi-finals, the current team is aiming to win the Cup.

60764    From that humiliation and regret came the determination to hone a world-class crew and build a first-class yacht over these last three years.

60765    The sum of these efforts, the cutting edge "JPN-41,"will arrive momentarily at base camp in San Diego Bay.

60766    The veil has not yet been lifted on the yacht and its multitude of modifications and improvements, but in terms of capabilities it certainly cannot lose to any other boat.

60767    In the first round, a good effort alone will be enough.

60768    In the second round, however, everything will count on the result.