Yachting history

Courageous was the first all-aluminium hulled 12 Metre and the second 12 Metre to successfully defend the America’s Cup twice, in 1974 and 1977. The first 12 Metre, also an Olin Stephens design, was the wooden-hulled Intrepid, which successfully defended in 1967 and ’70 and will also sail in the Modern Division with skipper Jack Curtin at the helm.

“Courageous is in the best shape she’s ever been in,” said Jobson, explaining that her benefactors Ralph Isham, Steve Glascock, Alexander Auersperg and Ward Marsh, who also crew aboard her, lead a syndicate that was formed 15 years ago to charter the yacht after it was donated to the Museum of Yachting. “There has been some work on her keel, rudder and trim tab over this past winter, and she will be sporting new winches and sails. Our goal is to win every race, but you never know in this division. Otherwise, it’s to be a strong contender, to put on a good show and get better with each race.”

It just so happens Jobson was the tactician on Courageous in 1977 when Ted Turner defeated Alan Bond’s Australia four races to zero in a best-of-seven series. Turner plans to return to Newport to watch the Worlds, and he will be pleased to see Jobson and his fellow sailors from that era making Courageous spotlight-worthy again.

Significantly, four others on the Courageous crew of 16 have won the Auld Mug at some point in their lives. Jon Wright, who will serve as jib trimmer, sailed on three America’s Cup winners: Courageous in ’74,  Freedom in ’80 and Stars & Stripes in ’87. LJ Edgcomb, who will serve as navigator, sailed on Courageous in ’74 and ‘77. Robbie Doyle will serve as main trimmer, just as he did on Courageous in; Stu Argo, who will serve as jib trimmer, sailed on America3 in ’92.

According to Jack Curtin, who salvaged Intrepid in as a “massive labor of love” after it ran aground on Nantucket, his crew hasn’t changed much from when it was first assembled in 1998, after a two-year complete restoration of the yacht. “I’m most proud that we don’t bring in any rock stars,” said Curtin. “It’s staggering the amount of time people are willing to sacrifice for this summer’s racing schedule, but that’s how strongly everyone feels about each other.”

Among Intrepid’s crew members are two father-son combinations. Travis Pierce, son of starboard trimmer Reggie Pierce, will work the bow, while Ian O’Brien, son of port trimmer Tom O’Brien, will work the pit. Other America’s Cup veterans crewing are tactician Scott Perry and main trimmer Skip Beck

“We’ve started practicing already, so we are serious, and we’ve done whatever we thought we could do to make us more competitive,” said Curtin, noting he has now completed major improvements to Intrepid a total of four times, including this year in preparation for the Worlds. He pointed out other American owners such as Dennis Williams, Charles Robertson, Jack LeFort and Gunther Buerman – owners, respectively, of Victory ’83, Freedom, Challenge XII and New Zealand – who have invested great amounts of money and effort into either restoring or totally rebuilding the magnificent 12 Metres that will be racing in the Worlds.

“In addition to being as beautiful and significant as ever, the fleet is the fastest it has ever been,” said Curtin. “Every boat that’s racing is in better shape than when it first sailed decades ago.”

The 12 Metre World Championship is hosted by Ida Lewis Yacht Club, the International Twelve Metre Association (ITMA) America’s Fleet and the 12 Metre Yacht Club.

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