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.

60804    He recaptured the America's Cup, winning all four races against the Cup Defender, the Kookaburra III of Australia.

60805    Looking back, Conner declared, "The Cup just took a little journey," but nevertheless Bertrand had been absent from the competition.

60806    Thus, if they clash this time, it will be the deciding battle capping 12 years of rivalry.

60807    Conner of the Stars and Stripes, Bertrand of One Australia.

60808    Of course, first there are the Louis Vuitton and Citizen Cups standing in their way...