Design has taken the place of what sailing used to be.

Conner's SDYC responded with a 60' wing-sailed catamaran US-1 designed by Morrelli Chance & Hubbart & MacLane in a surprise defense. 2003 marked Conner's last participation in the America's Cup. This change in approach led to a return to professional crews in sailing which had hardly been seen since the 1930s.

He was recently voted Americas Greatest Sailor by his peers at US Sailing. Noted for winning the bronze medal at the 1976 Olympics two Star World Championships and four wins in the America's Cup. Dennis Conner (born September 16 1942) is an American yachtsman know as "Mr.