British Americas Cup Campaign Officially Announced

Photo ©: Mark Jardine

Today the anticipated British America's Cup Challenge was officially announced at the British Association of Film & Television Arts. Peter Harrison, who has already put his backing behind the British Olympic Trials & the 1999 British Admiral's Cup is the man behind the new campaign.

John Inverdale hosted the announcement to a packed audience, outlining the history of the Cup and previous British campaigns. Heading the campaign is Sydney Olympic Silver medalist Ian Walker as Sailing Manager.

Many have said that a British Campaign will be without any hope of victory in the next America's Cup due to the lack of experience in the event, but one key decision will help them: With the Nippon Challenge being called to a close at the end of the last Louis Vuitton Cup, the British Campaign has called upon their designers to aid with the massive knowledge that they have built over their challenges.

Combine this and the undoubted depth of talent that lies within the team should put them 'in good Stead' for a worthy performance. Will they win the Louis Vuitton Cup and go forward to face Team New Zealand? Only time will tell, but this campaign has true world-class sailors, committed & substantial backing and the experience of the previous Nippon Challenges. At this stage the Swiss, Italian, American and German syndicates already launched will be casting more than a wary eye towards the British Campaign.

Key Team Member Profiles:

Ian Walker - Silver medalist in both the Atlanta and Sydney Olympics Ian is one of the top racing sailors in the world. Ian has also proved to be a top yacht tactician and helm in classes such as the Mumm 36 and most recently in the IC 45 in Palma.

Ado Stead - Skipper of the victorious Barlo Plastics in the 2000 Tour Voile, Ado Stead creates and leads winning teams in yacht racing. His skills sailing combined with his teamwork are a winning combination.

Andy Beadsworth - A previous Olympian in both the Sydney and Atlanta Olympic Games in the Soling Class. Also a seasoned campaigner in '93, '95 and '97.

Andy Green - Having had previous experience with the last Louis Vuitton Cup as part of the Aloha Challenge, Andy will be a huge asset to the team and is currently ranked in the top 10 in the World Match Race rankings.

Mark Covell - Sydney 2000 Silver medal winner in the Star, World Champion in the Etchells and 5.5m. At 6' 7" tall Mark will be a huge asset to power the midsection.

Simon Fry aka. Stir Fry - Tour Voile 2000 winner and regular contributor to Yachts & Yachting with tuning guides for the Mumm 30, Beneteau 40.7 and Farr 40.

Ian Budgen - 3rd in the 2000 Tour Voile sailing Easy Oars and a regular winner on the 49er and previously the Laser 5000 circuit. Ian has also been a regular Match Racer was both helm and crew.

Chris Mason - Name a top big boat regatta around the world and you can almost guarantee that Chris Mason at some time has been on the winning boat at some time. Chris is regarded as one of the best mainsheet trimmers around and at 115kg can more than handle the loads involved.

Richard Sydenham - A member of Andy Beadsworth's 2000 Olympic crew and also a previous Match Racing Youth World Champion as helm, Richard although only 25 has built himself a solid reputation.

Neal MacDonald - Currently leading The Race sailing Club Med, Neal sailed in the '88 Olympics in the Flying Dutchman and is a previous International 14 World Champion. He was a helm on Silk Cut in the '98 Whitbread Round the World Race and was a mainsheet trimmer in the '99 Admiral's Cup.

Julian Salter - Another Barlo Plastics crew member and regular in top big boat regattas and match racing events.

James Stagg - Regarded as one of the best big boat bowmen. Part of the British Admiral's Cup Team, the 2000 Tour Voile winning team & a Match Racing bowman.

Mark Sheffield - As foredeck in the Admiral's Cup and other major events Mark has built a good reputation. He also has the advantage of being an Electronic Instrument design expert with Diverse Yacht Services.

Jonathon Taylor - Another crew always seen on the top yachts and by trade a professional rigger.

More Information:

• GBR Challenge Website