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.
60798 The Liberty won the first race by 1 minute 10 seconds and had a 3-1 lead overall, needing four wins for the victory.
60799 With only one more win to go a miracle occurred.
60800 Bertrand picked up the 5th race as carelessness proved fatal for Conner, who had been in the lead.
60801 Bertrand tied the competition in the sixth race by deftly maneuvering the wind, and then won the last race by a mere 41 seconds.
60802 A new challenge began for Conner as he tasted his first defeat.
60803 He came back in the 26th Cup as the skipper of the Stars and Stripes.