Demolishing America's Cup history

Planning Board to Consider Demolition Permit for Home of Former Rival America’s Cup Skipper

NEWPORT, R.I. – The house that once served as home to the skipper who stunned the world by defeating the U.S. in the 1983 America’s Cup on board Australia II, is being eyed for demolition. The property, located at 32 Dennison St. in the city’s historic yachting village, features a faded plaque, overgrown with creeping vegetation that reads “The John Bertrand House.”

Bertrand, with Australia’s innovative winged keel design bested defending champion Dennis Connor on Liberty in what would be the last Cup held in Newport.

The property, which is long past its glory days, is being eyed for demolition as part of a proposed expansion of the St. Clare Home, located on the corner of Spring and Dennison streets. -- Read more