The 1974 America's Cup was held in September 1974 at Newport, Rhode Island.

[1][2] Courageous had beaten Intrepid (skippered by Gerry Driscoll and including William Earl Buchan and John Marshall), Heritage, Mariner and Valiant (skippered by George R. Hinman Sr.) to become the defender.

[1] Hood had replaced Robert Bavier as skipper of Courageous during the defender trials.

[3] Dennis Conner started the trials as the tactician on Mariner, before being promoted to helm the boat, and then being added to the afterguard of Courageous.

[4] Olin Stephens and Halsey Chase Herreshoff also sailed in the afterguard of Courageous.