The Fascinating Life Of Media Giant Ted Turner

He Won the America’s Cup and Got Embarrassingly Drunk at the News Conference

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In 1977, Ted and the crew of Courageous had a 4-0 win during the America’s Cup defense in Newport, Rhode Island. The Courageous led Australia by two minutes and 25 seconds at the end of the 24.3-mile course. He celebrated the win with too much alcohol during the news conference.

He told the Hollywood Reporter in 2012, “I quit completely a year ago, but prior to that, all I’ve drunk is a glass or two of wine. I haven’t been a heavy drinker in years — not even a moderate one. I didn’t like the way it made me feel.”