Known for his almost maniacal dedication to sailing sport, Dennis Conner, who attended San Diego State, was the helmsman of the U.S. pairing which took the bronze medals in the Tempest class at the 1976 Olympics. He was twice a world champion in the Star class (1971 and 1977) and finished as runner-up in 1978. Despite these small boat successes, Conner is much better known for his America’s Cup exploits. At the 1974 trials, he served as helmsman for two boats (at separate times) in the defender trials. Neither boat was chosen, but in 1980, Conner skippered the boat Freedom as she defended the Cup by defeating the Australian challenger, winning four of five races. In 1983, Conner was again chosen to defend the Cup, this time skippering the boat Liberty. Sadly Conner suffered the ignominy of losing the Cup to a faster boat, Australia ll, for the first U.S. loss in the 132-year history of the event. But he returned in 1987 and 1988, aboard Stars & Stripes to regain the Cup and give him four titles in that fabled yachting event. He is a member of the U.S. Sailing Hall of Fame, the America’s Cup Hall of Fame, and won 28 world championships in various classes.
United States