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Vessels FRANCE flying its spinnaker
Vessels FRANCE flying its spinnaker

Vessels FRANCE flying its spinnaker

Photographer (American, born 1931)
Date1970
Object number00031414
NamePhotograph
MediumSilver gelatin print
DimensionsOverall: 355 x 280 mm, 0.025 kg
Copyright© Paul A Darling
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Louis D'Alpuget
DescriptionYacht FRANCE flying its spinnaker passing in the east passage at Newport, Rhode Island, during the America's Cup in 1970. HistoryFrance's entry into the 1970 America's Cup was the 12 metre yacht FRANCE. It was one of four attempts mounted by Baron Marcel Bich to win the Cup for France. FRANCE was beaten by Australia's GRETAL by four races to zero. The French boat would go to unsuccessfully compete in the challenger trials of 1974 and 1977.SignificanceThe 1970 America's Cup was held in September 1970 at Newport, Rhode Island. The US defender, INTREPID, skippered by Bill Ficker, defeated the Australian challenger, GRETEL II, skippered by James Hardy, four races to one.