Russell Coutts facts for kids
Coutts in 2010
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| Born | 1 March 1962 Wellington, New Zealand |
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| Sailing career | ||||||||||||||
| Class(es) | Finn, AC45 | |||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Sir Russell Coutts is a famous New Zealand sailor. He was born on March 1, 1962. He is known for winning an Olympic gold medal. He also led teams to win the America's Cup three times. These victories happened in 1995, 2000, and 2003.
Contents
Early Life and Sailing Start
Russell Coutts went to Otago Boys' High School from 1975 to 1979. He learned to sail at the Paremata Boating Club. He started in a small boat called a P class. When he was 17, he became the best Laser class sailor in New Zealand.
Amazing Sailing Career
Russell Coutts has achieved many great things in sailing. He won a gold medal in the Finn class at the 1984 Olympic Games. He has also won the America's Cup five times. He won three World Match Racing Championships. He also has many other international wins.
As a skipper, he has a perfect record in America's Cup races. He won all 15 races he sailed in 1995, 2000, and 2003. He was also the CEO of the Oracle Team. This team won the America's Cup in 2010 and 2013.
The RC44 Boat Series
In 2005, Russell Coutts helped design a new type of boat. It is called the RC44. This boat is a fast racing boat. It was made for top-level sailing competitions. The RC44 is designed for amateur sailors to race in big events.
SailGP Racing Series
Russell Coutts and American businessman Larry Ellison started the SailGP series. This is a professional sailing competition. It began in October 2019.
In March 2024, SailGP had an event planned in Christchurch, New Zealand. Racing was canceled because endangered Hector's dolphins were in the area. Local groups and the Department of Conservation had rules to protect the dolphins. SailGP organizers had expected many people to watch the event.
America's Cup Victories
Russell Coutts has a remarkable history with the America's Cup. Here are his wins:
- 1995 – He was the skipper and helmsman for Team New Zealand. They won the 1995 Louis Vuitton Cup and then the 1995 America's Cup. They won 5-0 against the defenders.
- 2000 – He was the skipper and helmsman for Team New Zealand again. They defended the America's Cup in Auckland. They won 5-0.
- 2003 – He was the skipper and helmsman for Alinghi. They won the 2003 Louis Vuitton Cup. Then they won the 2003 America's Cup 5-0 in Auckland.
- 2010 – He was the Chief Executive Officer for BMW Oracle Racing. They won the 2010 America's Cup 2-0.
- 2013 – He was again the Chief Executive Officer for Oracle Racing. They defended the 2013 America's Cup in San Francisco. They made an amazing comeback, winning 9-8 after being far behind.
In July 2007, Coutts became the CEO and skipper of BMW Oracle Racing. This team was the challenger for the 2010 America's Cup. Their boat, USA, had a special rigid wing sail. This sail gave them a big advantage. They easily beat the defending yacht, Alinghi 5.
Coutts also led the Oracle Team as CEO in the 2013 America's Cup. This race was in San Francisco Bay. Oracle made a historic comeback. They won eight races in a row to defend the cup. This was the longest America's Cup match ever.
World Championship Wins
Russell Coutts has won many world championships in different sailing classes:
| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | World Youth Sailing | 1st | ||
| 1992 | IYRU Match Racing World Championship | Long Beach, USA | 1st | Match racing |
| 1993 | IYRU Match Racing World Championship | Perth, Australia | 1st | Match racing |
| 1996 | ISAF Open Match Racing World Championship | Dubrovnik, Croatia | 1st | Match racing |
| 2001 | 12 Metre World Championship | Cowes, UK | 1st | 12 Metre Grand Prix class |
| 2001 | Farr 40 World Championships | Cowes, UK | 1st | Farr 40 class |
| 2006 | Farr 40 World Championship | Newport, USA | 1st | Farr 40 class |
| 2010 | RC44 World Championship | Puerto Calero, Spain | 2nd | RC44 class |
Olympic Games
Russell Coutts competed in the Olympics twice:
- In the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA, he won a Gold Medal in the Finn class.
- In the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, he finished 8th in the Soling class.
Other Important Events
- 1993 – Won the Admiral's Cup with the yacht Pinta.
- 2006 – Won the Bol d'Or Rolex in Switzerland.
- 2006 – Became World Champion in the Farr 40 class in Newport, U.S.
- 2008 – Won the Cagliari RC44 Cup in Match Racing in Italy.
- 2008 – Won the TP 52 Audi MedCup.
- 2008 – Won the Malcesine SLAM Cup in Match Racing in Italy.
Awards and Honors
Russell Coutts has received many awards for his sailing achievements. In New Zealand, he was honored several times:
- In 1985, he became a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
- In 1995, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
- In 2000, he became a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DCNZM). This was for his services to yachting, especially the 2000 America's Cup win.
- In August 2009, he was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM).
He has also been named ISAF Sailor of the Year twice. Other awards include:
- 1984 – New Zealand Yachtsman of the Year
- 1995 – Sperry World Sailor of the Year
- 1995 – Halberg Award
- 1995 – ISAF World Sailor of the Year Award
- 1996 – Inducted into the America's Cup Hall of Fame
- 2003 – ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award
See also
In Spanish: Russell Coutts para niños
