Conner’s Team Surges
Dennis Conner’s fast-improving Stars & Stripes handed Kevin Mahaney’s Young America its first defeat in America’s Cup Defender yacht racing event.
In fading winds that almost becalmed the sailing fleet, Stars & Stripes ended the first round-robin of Defender trials by finishing more than 3 minutes ahead of Young America.
Four-time America’s Cup champion Conner took turns at the helm with Paul Cayard during the victory. Young America had beaten Stars & Stripes in two races last week and leads the Defenders with five first-round victories. Stars & Stripes has won three races.