NSHOF: Move from Annapolis to arch-rival Newport appears imminent
NEWPORT, RI – The lead article in this morning's Newport Daily News (thanks, Richard Levine) confirms what has been widely rumored for months: that the USA's National Sailing Hall of Fame will likely relocate from Annapolis, MD to it's arch-rival sailing center of Newport, RI. NSHOF President Gary Jobson (Annapolis, MD) is quoted as saying the historic Newport Armory, near the corner of Thames St, Memorial Blvd. and America's Cup Avenue in the heart of Newport, is "a perfect piece of property for our needs."
The Armory was the venue for America's Cup press conferences in Newport's 12-Metre era (1958-1983), including the final press conference in 1983 after Alan Bond, Warren Jones, John Bertrand & Co. of AUSTRALIA II lifted the Cup from Dennis Conner, Tom Whidden and their LIBERTY team representing the New York Yacht Club. AUSTRALIA II's 4-3 win in the best-of-seven match ended the Cup's Newport era (which began in 1930 with the J-Boats), and NYYC's 132-year reign as Cup holder – widely regarded as the longest winning streak in international sports.
Read the full Newport Daily News story here.
In this photo from 18 Sep 77, COURAGEOUS skipper Ted Turner, left, shakes hands with AUSTRALIA I syndicate head Alan Bond, right, at a news conference in the Newport Armory following COURAGEOUS' 4th and final win in the 1977 America's Cup Match. Three years later, Mr Bond, a global entrepreneur, became an Australian hero by bankrolling AUSTRALIA II for the historic America’s Cup win in the 1983 Cup – his fourth try. Photo: J. Walter Green for the Associated Press.
Dennis Conner, skipper of NYYC's defender LIBERTY, discussing tactics at the press conference in the Newport Armory with moderator Bill Ficker following Race 1 of the 1983 AC Match against AUSTRALIA II. The late, great Mr Ficker (Newport Beach, CA) won the Cup in 1970 skippering INTREPID.
Mr Ficker with Alan Bond and John Bertrand in a press conference at the Newport Armory during the 1983 America's Cup.
Royal Perth YC Commodore Peter Dalzeil, AUSTRALIA II skipper John Bertrand and syndicate head Alan Bond with their team at the final press conference at the Newport Armory following their historic win in the 1983 America's Cup.
The Newport Armory is on Lower Thames St in the heart of historic Newport, RI near the corner of Thames St, Memorial Blvd and America's Cup Avenue. File photo courtesy of the Newport Daily News.
In addition to being a yachting mecca, Newport, RI is a significant four-season tourist destination that also is home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. File photo courtesy of the Hall of Fame Tennis Tournament.