Tag: independence

FORTY YEARS AGO/ FIFTY YEARS AGO

Forty years ago about this date we towed to Newport for the start of the selection trials to defend the America’s Cup.

We had had a small regatta in Marblehead over the Memorial day weekend in which “Courageous” was faster on every point of sail. Reggie Pierce looked up from the grinder handles and quipped: “It’s going to be a long summer”. Those words proved to be prophetic.

“Independence” was supposed to be the anointed defender. The rest is history.

“Intrepid” will celebrate 50 years.

INDEPENDENCE CREW 1977
COURAGEOUS CREW 1977
LOOKING BACK AT COURAGEOUS
COURAGEOUS ON OUR WEATHER HIP
TRIMMED IN HARD
BERNADETTE WINS THE AMERICA’S CUP AT THE DOG TRACK
AMERICA’S DEMITASSE 1977
MEASURING THE 12’S

TRACES OF THOMAS W. LAWSON

Thomas W. Lawson from Boston, challenged for the America’s Cup in 1901 with a progressive and controversial boat “Independence”. The boat a B. B. Crowinshield design, was launched in May and broken up by September. He left his mark on the event none-the-less, publishing what many consider the definitive work about the America’s Cup: The Lawson history of the America’s Cup.” Despite this there is little evidence left of his life. He built his dream farm in Scituate “Dreamworld” There is very little left of his accomplishments. The water tower still stands. Stands out is a better description; unlike anything surrounding it.