Shortly after the New York Court of Appeals issued its ruling in 1990 which awarded the America's Cup to the San Diego Yacht Club, millionaire Bill Koch burst upon the scene with his mantra of technology, teamwork and talent -- and one of the most massive war chests ever.

    The combination proved unbeatable as the rookie, who insisted on frequently steering his own boat showed the veterans how to build a fast sailboat. His America³ first dispatched Dennis Conner, then surprised most America’s Cup pundits by downing Italy’s Il Moro di Venezia, 4-1.

    The persistent New Zealanders, like their Australian counterparts a decade earlier, proved relentless in their quest for the Cup.

    In the 29th defense, the Kiwis' black boat became a symbol of supremacy on the seas off Point Loma, amassing an unprecedented 42-1 record during the four-month long Louis Vuitton Cup challenger trials.

    They easily won the finals to earn the right to host the 1999-2000 defense.

    New Zealand does it again, sweeps Prada to keep The Cup. After 149 years, a small and proud nation, New Zealand successfully defends the America's Cup which will remain at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Yacht Club in Auckland, New Zealand.

    Two America's Cup finals, ten races, TNZ was never behind at any mark.

    For the first time in 149 years there was neither an American challenger or defender in the America's Cup.

    In their initial challenge, the Swiss syndicate Alinghi headed by Ernesto Bertarelli and skippered by Russell Coutts sweeps the best of 9 match, 5-0. In his victory, Coutts passes Dennis Conner's record of 13 cup race wins and ties legendary skippers Charlie Barr and Harold Vanderbilt by winning three consecutive America’s Cups.

    For the first time in its 152-year history, the America’s Cup is returned to Europe!