On his four-man crew are several America's Cup veterans.

He is an America's Cup veteran and was named Western Australian Sportsman of the Year in 1987.

Cup veterans such as Conner's Stars & Stripes's team entered the event because of commitments made long before they won the America's Cup.

It was another round of sailing for Paul Cayard, the America's Cup veteran from San Francisco.

Joining with him is Paul Cayard, an American Cup veteran who was considered Italy's hired gun in 1992.

"He's certainly right in the game," said Ed Baird, an America's Cup veteran who does commentary on the races.

Grant Simmer, another America's Cup veteran, joined as managing director and head of design.

Randy Short of San Francisco, captain of the United States team, is an Admiral's Cup veteran.

"It's a technology contest," one Cup veteran said.

Dennis Conner, the San Diego America's Cup veteran who is considered one of the best match-racing helmsman in the world, was also approached.