AC classic relaunched

The weekend saw the launch of a rebuilt Courageous, winner of the 1974 and 1977 Cups

Craig Millard and the Courageous Foundation re-christened Courageous, US-26, on Saturday, July 27 at a ceremony held at the Hinckley Yacht Yard in Portsmouth, R.I. Over 200 foundation members and friends of Courageous attended the event, which celebrated the glorious restoration of the famous 12-Meter and marked the next phase of life for the two-time America's Cup winner.

"Today, we make history," said Craig Millard, moments before he and his wife Michele ceremoniously blessed Courageous by smashing a bottle of Louis Roderer Cristal over the bow. "With the support of the Courageous Foundation, we insure that Courageous will be protected for years to come, and I'm thankful to all her friends who make today possible."

Skippered by Ted Hood, Courageous won the America's Cup in 1974. In 1977, it won again with Ted Turner and Dennis Conner at the helm. The first aluminum 12-Meter to challenge and defend the America's Cup, Courageous was acquired in 2001 by Craig Millard for the Courageous Foundation and has undergone a major restoration. Along with a new keel, mast, spars, rigging and sails, the yacht's deck and transom have been restored to their 1977 configuration.

Courageous will be campaigned in the U.S. and abroad, at upcoming regattas, including the 12-Meter North Americans in 2003 and the 12-Meter World Championship in 2005.