Winter Speaker Series 2025 » Harold Bennett: My Experiences with America's Cup

Principal Race Officer, America's Cup (2000-2013)

For over a decade, Harold Bennett stood at the helm of one of sailing's most prestigious competitions, serving as Principal Race Officer for the America's Cup from 2000 to 2013. During this transformative period, he witnessed the evolution of yacht racing's most storied trophy through multiple campaigns, technological revolutions, and venue changes that would reshape the sport forever.

From the traditional monohulls of Auckland to the groundbreaking multihulls that would later dominate the competition, Bennett has been uniquely positioned to observe how cutting-edge technology revolutionized not just the boats themselves, but the entire infrastructure of race management. His tenure spanned the dawn of real-time telemetry, advanced weather routing systems, and sophisticated course management technologies that transformed how races are conducted, monitored, and broadcast to global audiences.

Bennett's insights extend far beyond the technical aspects of race management. Having overseen competitions across diverse venues from the challenging waters off New Zealand to the Mediterranean's Valencia, and the dramatic shift to San Francisco Bay he brings unparalleled perspective on how location, weather patterns, and local conditions shape both racing strategy and spectator experience. His understanding of venue selection and its impact on the America's Cup's evolution offers fascinating insights into the commercial and sporting considerations that drive one of the world's most expensive sporting competitions.

Now, as the America's Cup continues to evolve with foiling catamarans, new class rules, and shifting global venues, Bennett's historical perspective provides crucial context for understanding where this iconic competition has been and where it's heading next.

Club open from 5pm. Light meals available from 6pm. Speaker starts 7.30pm.

All GHYC members and guests welcome. Please feel free to invite your friends.

Last updated 2:06pm on 31 May 2025