USA 76
|
USA 76 in 2003. | |
| Yacht club |
 Golden Gate Yacht Club |
|---|---|
| Nation |
 United States |
| Class | International America's Cup Class |
| Sail no | USA–76 |
| Owner(s) | Oracle BMW Racing |
| Racing career | |
| AC Challenger Selection Series | 2003 Louis Vuitton Cup |
USA 76 is an American International America's Cup Class yacht. It was used by the Oracle BMW Racing team in their preparations to challenge for the 2003 America's Cup held in Auckland, New Zealand. ORACLE would go through to the Louis Vuitton Challenger Series final and come up against the formidable Team Alinghi from Switzerland. Alinghi, ultimately won the Cup after an impressive performance.
In September 2003, ORACLE arranged for a "rematch" to be held against Alinghi in San Francisco. Both pro and owner driver series' scheduled, it was an opportunity to showcase America's Cup sailing on the Bay, and allow the Golden Gate Yacht Club representatives a chance to regain pride after their defeat in Auckland. Again the competition was tough, especially in the windy confines of San Francisco's city front. ORACLE and USA 76, with a little more time to prepare and local honor at stake, won both events. USA 76 is now berthed at Pier 39, and has been in charter operation since June 2011.[1]