Sea, Sail & Surf newsVictory Challenge
Skip Lissiman coach for the Sweden challenger
mardi 26 mars 2002 –
"Skip Lissiman is not only experienced when it comes to the America’s Cup America's Cup #AmericasCup , he’s also experienced in winning it. I’m convinced he’ll quickly make his mark as we make important advances in our development", says Mats Johansson, head and skipper of the Victory Challenge project.
Skip Lissiman, 44, has taken part in three America’s Cups representing Australia, in 1980, 1983 and 1987. Besides the America’s Cup America's Cup #AmericasCup , he has also sailed in a large number of ocean races, the Admiral’s Cup and the Sydney-Hobart Race among them.
He was one of the eleven heroes onboard Australia II. John Bertrand, skipper during the historic victory in 1983, has stated in his book "Born to Win" that Skip Lissiman was a trimmer that made no mistakes, not even in the most pressing circumstances during the dramatic races in Newport. Australia II was behind 3-1 in the final against Dennis Conner on Liberty in a Newport that was already preparing to celebrate a victory against the challengers from Australia. But the crew of Australia II refused to lose.
The final result of 3-4 is one of the most classic results in sporting history.
"Many years have passed and the boats are very different. But much is still the same. One must be prepared. The team that makes the ultimate preparations and does the best job will finally be the most successful", says Skip Lissiman.
"Victory Challenge has a good boat, a skilful crew and professional management. But all this must be finely tuned, that’s what my contribution will be as coach for the crew and management. I have to identify weaknesses and make sure the necessary measures are taken".
Besides running his own marine Marine Marine nationale service business, Skip Lissiman has been heading operations for a fleet of match racing boats in Perth in recent years. "This has involved a lot of team building with these people, the team, and it’s now working so smoothly in Perth that I can take some time off to be coach for Victory Challenge".
Skip Lissiman is from Perth in Australia, like Australia II and Alan Bond, the initiator behind a long line of Australian America’s Cup challenges. The last time Skip Lissiman was involved in the America’s Cup was in 1987 as project manager for Alan Bond when Australia was to defend the victory from 1983. Five boats were fighting to become the official defender of the America’s Cup. "We came second, so Kookaburra went on to defend for us". Kookaburra lost and the America’s Cup returned to the USA.
While Victory Challenge has recruited key people with lots of America’s Cup experience in boat design (Mani Frers, previously Prada), boat construction (Chris Mellow, previously Team New Zealand) and sail design (Andre Lechte, previously Nippon), focus on recruiting the crew has been put on top sailors from the Nordic countries. 10 of them have sailed in the Olympics, winning four gold medals and two bronzes, and won several World and European Championships between them. Another two crewmen have been World Champions but not taken part in the Olympics.
"With Skip Lissiman’s help, experience and enthusiasm, we are getting closer to being able to stage a successful challenge in the Louis Vuitton Cup", says Mats Johansson.
That is a necessity for going on to challenge Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup final next year.
Information Bert Willborg / http://www.victorychallenge.com
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