America's Cup Trials (1974)

In 1974, the American elimination trials were more competitive than the Cup races themselves, with four 12-meters - Intrepid, Mariner, Valiant, and Courageous - vying for the right to defend the Cup. The flamboyant Ted Turner entered the field aboard Mariner, bringing his aggressive style to the race. Turner ultimately loses the 12-meter trials, as Ted Hood is joined by first-timer Dennis Conner aboard Courageous to defend the Cup against Australian challenger and first-timer Alan Bond, with Jim Hardy sailing Southern Cross.