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By Charles Bethea
 Russell Coutts has won the America's Cup as a skipper three times. His sailing record includes winning the ISAF World Youth championships, a gold medal in the 1984 Olympics, three World Match Racing Championships, numerous international match races, and IOR, IMS, and One Design World Championships. In New Zealand he has been made a Commander of the British Empire and honored with the Distinguished Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit and has twice been the International Yacht Racing Union's World Sailor of the Year.
After Coutts won the 2003 America's Cup as skipper and captain of Switzerland's Team Alinghi, he had a dispute with management and decided he wouldn't compete in the 2007 Cup. Charles Bethea exchanged words this year with Coutts from the sidelines of the oldest event in sports.
How are you spending your time these days? Traveling much?
I have been competing a lot in races around the world in all sorts of boats. I have also worked a lot at developing the RC 44 boats and class. I'm very happy after the first season, and the potential is great.
How does winning the America's Cup rank in your life achievements?
It was definitely one of the best achievements of my life. I keep great memories of each of the victories.
Who do you think will be the challenger for the Cup this year? Who do you think will win?
It is difficult to say who will win. But New Zealand, BMW-Oracle, and Prada are the logical favorites for the Louis Vuitton Cup. Alinghi is the favorite for the America's Cup, but it is difficult to say who will win. It will be very close.
What do you think of Larry Ellison's Team BMW-Oracle?
They are well funded and well organized; it's a very good team.
Do you think the Cup will be back in American hands anytime soon?
It's difficult to say when the Cup will go back to the U.S. Oracle has a good chance.
What would you rather do for the rest of your life: drink wine, play golf, sail, or travel?
I'm happy with what I'm doing right now, which is a combination of the above!
Will you be back onboard a yacht for the next Cup? Would you skipper a boat for Larry Ellison?
I will be free to compete in the next Cup. First, let's see who wins, where they take the event, when it takes place, and what boats they choose to race with. I probably won't make a decision before the next Cup. As for Larry Ellison, it's a hypothetical question and I haven't thought much about it. Larry hasn't spoken with me about this yet.
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