USF alum leads team to America's Cup Victory

[ChiTownBull]

http://www.tampabays10.com/sports/article.aspx?storyid=58241

St. Petersburg, Florida -- World-class sailor and USF St. Petersburg alum Ed Baird guided Alinghi to win the 32nd America’s Cup in Valencia, Spain, on Tuesday.

Serving as Alinghi’s helmsman, Baird steered the Swiss defender against the challenger, Emirates Team New Zealand, in the best-of-nine series.

In what proved to be the final race, Alinghi’s victory over a formidable Kiwi team was achieved in dramatic fashion, by just one second, to win the match 5-2.

USF St. Petersburg is planning to honor Baird at a future campus celebration when he and his family return to their hometown.

Baird received the USF St. Petersburg’s Regional Chancellor’s Award in 2005 at the USF Pinellas County Alumni Chapter’s annual Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony.

The America's Cup is named for its first winner, the yacht America in 1851, and the “Auld Mug†is considered the oldest trophy in international sport.

[E.T.]

CONGRATS !!!

[bulls96go]

Can I get a GO! BULLS!

[E.T.]

Can I get a GO! BULLS!

[twillybull]

That last race was awesome.  It was like Alinghi couldn't loose no matter how hard they tried.

[smazza]

yeah