© K. Urtz 2013
Nippon (JPN-26) reached the semifinals of LOUIS VUITTON CUP (LVC) 1992   Nippon Challenge built three yachts, JPN-3, JPN-6 and JPN-26. JPN-26 reached the semifinals of the LVC.
Yacht / Country :  Nippon Sail Number :       JPN-26 Syndicate :           Nippon Challenge  CEO :                  Tatsumitsu Yamasaki Yacht Club:           Nippon Ocean Racing Club Designer :             Bruce Farr, Ichiro Yokoyama                              Kennosuke Hayashi, Akira Hubota Boat Builder :  Skipper :.              Chris Dickson, Makoto Namba
1992
Although Japan is an island with a fishing industry playing always an extremely important role the Japanese are not a sailing nation, as e.g. the New Zealanders. This was their first challenge and the start was difficult. There was still beside Nippon Challenge a 2nd applicant called Bengal Bay Challenge. This syndicate was immediately in the media, when it bought the 12m yachts Australia II and IV as test boats at U$ 7 mio. from Alan Bond. Due to lack of money they could neither order a new IACC yacht nor pay the remaining registration fee. They were later in bankruptcy. Nippon Challenge built three yachts, JPN-3, JPN-6 and JPN-26. JPN-26 reached the semifinals of the LVC. Employing  great Japanese designers the syndicate hired as skipper the sail-as and  New Zealander Chris Dickson. (see KZ-7 Kiwi Magic AC 87) Having a lot of experience he was known to create problems with his crews because of his toughness. The Los Angeles Times has asked  pretty soon if the team could withstand him 11/2 years. They did. The experienced and highly regarded Makoto Namba was the Japanese co-skipper and liaison officer on the Nippon.
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