The Moral Vision
Learning from Mistakes
~ 190 ~
LEARNING FROM MISTAKES
Alan Bond is an Australian multi-millionaire. He is
the owner of the yachts that have made 4 challenges
for the greatest prize in sailing, America’s Cup. In
1974 he made his first challenge and was wiped out
4 nil in the best of seven series. Then, in 1977, the
same thing happened. In 1980 he won one race only
and was beaten 4-1. These defeats deeply
disappointed him. Recalling them, he says:
‘Every time I’d come home depressed, and then
think, “Next time I’ll know how to do it better.”
(
Sunday Times,
London, September 25, 1973)
Alan Bond did not waste time blaming others for
his defeats. He kept on thinking what mistake it
was that had led to his losing time and time again.
Every defeat taught him not to repeat his mistake.
He did this again and again, until eventually, in
1983, he made a challenge for the coveted trophy
with a new yacht, Australia II. After being 3-1 down
in the series, Australia II fought back to win by four
races to three and take the cup from America for the
first time in 120 years.
