The eff ort to win the America's Cup had taken Australia 7 Challenges since 1962, including 4 in 10 years by Alan Bond, of which three 12 metres had been designed by Ben Lexcen - Souther Cross, Australia and Australia II. John Bertrand outsailed his American Rival, Dennis Conner, with the best possible boat and sails, designed and made by sailmaker Tom Schnakenberg. The Challenge had brought together a unique and determined group of people who believed in their ability to achieve what had been an impossible dream for 132 years. It inspired the Australian people to take on the world in everything from business to sports - particularly it introduced thousands to sailing. And it all came down to one race, between two beautiful yachts - The Race of the Century.