60783    The helm is about 1 meter across and has the same function as that of a car steering wheel.

60784    There is one each on the left and right.

60785    Usually the skipper takes the helm and steers.

60786    Tactical gamesmanship takes place before the start of the race.

60787    While greeting the opponent's boat, one tries to get as advantageous a starting position as possible, which can have a bearing on the race outcome.

60788    The race has really already begun while waiting for the start signal.

60789    Sailing facing fully windward.

60790    "Running" is when a boat sails with the wind coming from aft, or behind the boat.

60791    The 25th America's Cup, held in 1983, was the most spectacular year in the Cup's history.

60792    Until then, the America's Cup had never left the United States.

60793    The Cup had successfully been defended, foiling 24 challenges by other nations.

60794    Even then, the US appeared to have the advantage.

60795    The defending New York Yacht Club was racing the Liberty, skippered by Dennis Conner, also known as "Mr. America's Cup," and the challenger was the Australia II, skippered by John Bertrand, representing the Australian Royal Yacht Club.

60796    Conner's ability as skipper was excellent and he was feared as "a sailor among sailors" and "the devil behind the rudder," and it was this ability that propelled him to victory in the 24th America's Cup with the yacht Freedom.

60797    Bertrand's name was also known in sailing circles, but he had always been overshadowed by Conner.