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...

60809    Bill Koch, the owner of the victorious America3, became instantly famous in the previous Cup Regatta.

60810    When Koch's name was announced as a challenger in the 1990 Defender's Cup, it did not generate much fear on the part of the other competitors.

60811    Even though he had become famous as an entrepreneur, he was not thought to have what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the America's Cup.

60812    Nevertheless, Koch, believing in the theory that "sailing is science," looked to advanced technology to meet all his needs in his Cup challenge, including the boat, sailing and management.

60813    With this strategy he garnered the win in the Defender's Series, and defeated the highly reputed Italian Il Moro di Venezia in the America's Cup.

60814    Koch's ideas bore fruit and a new champion was born.

60815    This time too, Koch has been espousing science.

60816    Koch believes that if the yacht is superior, even women can vie for the Cup.

60817    He recruited a female crew and for the first time in history an all-female team has been assembled.

60818    Team members come from varied backgrounds, including former Olympic yachting competitors and American football instructors.

60819    Attention may focus on how far the women can advance in fierce competition demanding strength and stamina, but conversely it will be interesting to see if an object can really be made that will allow women to win over the men's greater physical might.