John Bertrand

Andy Rice speaks to the America's Cup legend about being reunited with Australia II for the America's Cup Jubilee

As he admitted in his post-Cup autobiography Born to Win, Bertrand was not always a fan of Australia II and her quirky handling characteristics, but now he talks in terms of the "great privilege" of sailing aboard her once more. "When I last sailed her, I didn't really think about whether or not I would race on board her again," he says. "But now I know that I have only a few races left with her, and I will savour every moment. She is a unique part of history."
After the America's Cup Jubilee, Bertrand returns to one of his great passions when he attempts to win the Etchells World Championship which has so far eluded him. With two third places in past championships, he clearly has the potential to do it, and the fire still burns in his belly. "The Etchells is really the Olympic class for non-Olympic sailors, it's the toughest fleet outside of the Games."

But the fire for America's Cup competition does not burn so brightly anymore. "I've done five of them and I know the sort of commitment that is involved in doing one. But if Australia were to field another challenge I'd love to contribute."

At the America's Cup Jubilee Australia II has consistently finished in the top five and today (Friday) was third behind Crusader and Ecosse.

Below: State of the art 1987. Note Australia II's cramped cockpit where each crewman has their own spot.