1983 Cockpit:  Note the two pit hatches and the original winch package and pit layout.

DEFENDER was designed as a development of the 1980 CLIPPER with less displacement which under the rule would give her more sail area.  She had fuller aft sections, particularly in the run to the transom.  Extensive modifications during the two year campaign included repositioning the keel further aft, ballast and trim changes and modifications to the aft 25 feet to restore the hull back to CLIPPER.  The trials were hard fought between DEFENDER, stablemate COURAGEOUS and LIBERTY.  Ultimately, LIBERTY was chosen to defend the America’s Cup against the eventual challenger, AUSTRALIA II.  The rest is History!