Rod Davis - Some valuable lessons from the big boys

The enthusiasm of the 1983 crew for getting their old warhorse, Australia II out of the museum and back on the water is palatable from this shot of the first sail after relaunching in Sydney

One of the aspects that sets an America's Cup campaign apart from any other is its all-encompassing nature. Not only do you have to design, build and sail a boat to the very highest level, you need to manage the campaign better than anyone else too. A tall order, especially as there are six to eight other teams trying to kick your ass on all of those aspects.

The management of such a project is where many teams come unstuck. To a large degree we, as yachties, builders and designers, are not trained in management. We do it part time when not doing other stuff. Right or wrong, that is the way it is.

One of the things that makes Cup campaigns fun is learning from some of the big names as you go. People like Michael Fay, Patrizio Bertelli and John Bertrand. They're not all everyone's cup of tea but each does have lessons, learned the hard way, that he is willing to share with his wannabe AC managers. I have rephrased the lessons a bit, to bring them into context. Thus, perhaps it has become as much my take on the lesson as the one being taught - but a lesson all the same.

For the remainder of this article please consult a copy of the October edition
of Seahorse.