The America's Cup is back in American hands.
It was swept away from Europe by Ellison's space-age trimaran, which has a gigantic wing for a sail and easily sped ahead of two-time defending champion Alinghi of Switzerland to complete a two-race sweep in the 33rd America's Cup on Sunday.
"I am so proud of this team, I am so proud to be part of this team, and I am especially proud to bring the America's Cup, once again, after a long absence, back to the United States of America," said the 65-year-old Ellison, the CEO of Oracle Corp.
The Auld Mug, as the ornate silver jug is also known, now belongs to San Francisco's Golden Gate Yacht Club.
I kept seeing articles in the paper about the race, but honestly thought they were discussing a lawsuit related to boat design (a common prelude to the Cup Race). I did not realize they actual competition had started.
Of course, reading the article, you quickly realize that Larry Ellison had little to do with winning the Cup back, except for whipping out his checkbook at crucial moments.
BMW Oracle Racing CEO Russell Coutts, who has quite a bit of experience at winning the America's Cup, popped the cork on a magnum of champagne and sprayed his boss, as well as tactician John Kostecki and skipper-helmsman Jimmy Spithill of Australia
Ted Turner, this guy, ain't; but what the hell. Now, we can look forward to a Bay Area-based America's Cup race in 4 years. Thanks, Larry.
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