First there were the Americans, who, having lost the cup to an Australian boat in 1983 after holding it 132 years, were out for revenge.
"That includes the two Australian boats, and we will build two new boats."
In a fresher breeze, the Australian boat may prove different.
A rough party, Tony - used to hang out in a barroom on an Australian boat.
In 1968 he was a crew member of the Australian boat which won the silver medal in the eights event.
The Australian boat headed to the right side of the course on port tack.
He tacked short of the Australian boat, which at that point split off to sail back to the right.
Eight years later he finished eighth with the Australian boat in the eights competition at Tokyo 1964.
The captains of the Australian boats seemed confident and determined.
They defended their decision not to call off the matches even after the Australian boat sank.
