1970 Herbert Pell Cup

1st Herbert Pell Cup

Event information
Type	Challenge race for Americas Cup
Dates	September 1, 1970 – September 5, 1970
Host city	Newport, Rhode Island
Boats	Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron Cercle de la Voile de Paris
Results
Winner	Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
Succession
Next	1974 Herbert Pell Cup

The 1970 Herbert Pell Cup was held in Newport, Rhode Island, United States in 1970. The winner, Gretel II, was awarded the Herbert Pell Cup and went on to challenge for the 1970 America's Cup. This was the first time a challenger's selection series was held, previously the New York Yacht Club had accepted a direct challenge for the America's Cup.

In a defenders selection series that was held simultaneously, three boats competed for the right to defend the America's Cup.

Teams

Gretel II (AUS)

Main article: Gretel II

Representing the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Gretel II was owned by Frank Packer. The boat was skippered by James Hardy and the crew included starting helmsman Martin Visser, William Fesq, David Forbes, Paul Salmon, John Anderson and port trimmer John Bertrand. ^{[1] [2]}

France (FRA)

France was owned by Marcel Bich and represented Cercle de la Voile de Paris. Pierre Delfour skippered the yacht and the crew included Éric Tabarly, Robin Fuger, Louis Noverraz and Bernard Dunand. ^[2]

Results

In a best of seven series, Gretel II was undefeated and won the series 4–0. Bich skippered his own yacht in the fourth and final match race. ^[3]

References

1. 'Born to win: a lifelong struggle to capture the America's Cup' - John Bertrand and Patrick Robinson (Hearst Marine Books, 1985). p. 80
2. Nocera, Egidio (July 2006). "Storia della Coppa America 1970–1974–1977 Le sfide australiane e francesi" (in Italian). Archived from the original on 31 August 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
3. 'apres Vous, Gretel' sportsillustrated.cnn.com, 7 September 1970