Ted Turner documentary ‘Courageous’ on America’s Cup

“Courageous: Ted Turner and the 1977 America’s Cup,” a documentary on the media mogul’s journey through the sailing world, airs June 17 at 2:30pm ET on NBC. Narrated by Academy Award winning actor Michael Douglas, the film will immediately follow NBC Sports coverage of the 2017 America’s Cup Match.

Film summary:
After his first experience in 1974 as skipper of Mariner did not go well, Turner acquired the 1974 America’s Cup winning 12 Meter, Courageous, in 1977 for his second attempt at the America’s Cup.

At the time Turner was a new owner of the Atlanta Braves which was consistently at the bottom of the standings in major league baseball. But Turner was always the optimist. When asked how he liked losing all the time, he said, “We are not losing, we are just learning how to win.” True to his word Turner, won the 1977 America’s Cup match, and the Braves went on to win the World Series.

NBC’s new documentary takes you on an amazing journey to witness Turner’s quest to over-come adversity and become a champion. There is a lot to be learned from this inspiring film for athletes in any sport, and for all business entrepreneurs. Hard work, a loyal team, and persis-tence pays off.

Turner launched the Cable News Network just three years after his America’s Cup victory and went on to become one of the most successful business visionaries in American history, and eventually became an important philanthropist and environmentalist.

The story is told with clarity and portrays the emotional roller coaster ride these athletes had to endure before winning at their beloved sport.

The interviewees in the film include baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, Braves CEO Terry McGuirk, and many of Turner’s sailing crew including Gary Jobson and Robbie Doyle.

The Courageous film on NBC immediately follows the first day of racing for the 35th America’s Cup between the United States and the challenger from New Zealand. In 2013, the USA over-came an 8-1 deficit by winning 8 straight races to successful defend against New Zealand. The tenacious sailors from down under return to the Cup Final after defeating four other challengers over the past three weeks.

The Courageous film contrasts dramatically with the current Cup being run in foiling catamarans. Viewers can decide if the new age is better than the amateur competition of the past.

Here’s the broadcast schedule for the 2017 America’s Cup Match: