In the countdown for the 1970 America's Cup in September, midsummer is the time for a series of shakedown races called the Observation Trials. As it happened, some of the most telling observations about this year's competition could be made right at dockside in Newport, R.I. Late into the night, Naval Architect Olin Stephens was seen tinkering with Valiant, his latest 12-meter design. Near by, Skipper-Designer Charlie Morgan Jr. was hard at work seeking to improve his golden-hulled Heritage. At another slip, the crew of Helmsman Bill Picker's Intrepid lounged on the sloop's...
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