THE QUESTION: Would it be a good thing if the British won the America's Cup in September?

HENRY DuPONT
Commodore, Cruising Club of America
Wilmington, Delaware
Heck, no! We are all interested in winning and keeping the cup. If the British lose again, maybe they will try harder next time. We are doing our darndest to win. If we lose, we will try harder to win the cup back next year.

deFOREST TRIMINGHAM
Former Commodore Royal Bermuda
Yacht Club
It would be excellent. Remember that the money spent for the British challenger means a lot more over there than it does here. If the British win, I am sure that every sportsman in America will raise his cup in a toast of congratulations.

GEORGE HENRY WARREN
Commodore, Ida Lewis Yacht Club
Newport, R.I.
Naturally I would like to see an American win, but it would be good for racing if the British won. There is always a good deal of sympathy for the underdog. This is particularly true of the gallant and persevering British.

DANIEL STROHMEIER
Skipper of Malay
Scarsdale, N.Y.
Of course it would be good for sailing. It is never good for anyone to dominate a sport. I have sensed a good deal of sentiment for the British boat. Everyone here admires them for their determination and sportsmanship against great odds.

DeCOURSEY FALES
Former Commodore N.Y. Yacht Club
New York City
Certainly. Naturally, I would like to see our defender win. The rival syndicates have gone to great expense for the honor of representing America. However, after all these years, it is about time the British won.

CAPTAIN JOHN ILLINGWORTH
Skipper of Mouse of Malham
Emsworth, England
Definitely, yes. A British victory would engender more frequent contests and result in the building of more yachts. If America had to challenge in British waters for a change, it would stimulate interest on both sides of the Atlantic.

WILLIAM T. SNAITH
Skipper of Figaro III
Westport, Conn.
Yes. Our victories go back too far. It is over 100 years since we won the cup from the British, and they have challenged 16 times and lost each time. However, it is going to be awfully tough for the American boat that finally loses.

E. RODDIE WILLIAMS
Mayor of Hamilton, Bermuda
Skipper of Undina
It would be a pleasant change. Real competition is good for any sport. However, I am not one of those who say, "Break up the Yankees," and I don't want the British to win unless they have built up to the American standard.

NINE PHOTOS