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40 Facts About America’s Cup

Trudey Burrow

Written by Trudey Burrow

Modified & Updated: 06 Dec 2024

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
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Source: Bbc.com

What makes the America's Cup so special? The America's Cup is the oldest international competition in any sport, with a history dating back to 1851. This prestigious sailing event has evolved from a simple race around the Isle of Wight to a high-tech showdown featuring cutting-edge yachts and the world's best sailors. The trophy, originally known as the "R.Y.S. £;s Cup attracts top sailors, yacht designers, and wealthy entrepreneurs, making it a true test of skill, innovation, and perseverance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The America's Cup is the oldest international competition in any sport, predating the modern Olympic Games by 45 years. It has a rich history spanning over 170 years, with the trophy symbolizing victory and craftsmanship.
  • The competition has evolved significantly over the years, with yachts reflecting advancements in technology and design. The America's Cup has seen legendary sailors and teams, memorable moments, and has a global appeal, attracting top sailors, yacht designers, and wealthy entrepreneurs from around the world.
Table of Contents
01The Oldest International Competition
02Craftsmanship and Symbolism
03The Deed of Gift and Perpetual Competition
04Evolution of the Yachts
05Records and Champions
06The Cost and Technology
07Legendary Sailors and Teams
08Memorable Moments and Locations
09Security and Trophy Details
10Global Reach and Appeal
11The Legacy of America's Cup

The Oldest International Competition

The America's Cup isn't just any sailing race; it's the oldest international competition in any sport. This prestigious event has a rich history that spans over 170 years.

  1. Oldest International Competition: The America's Cup predates the modern Olympic Games by 45 years, making it the oldest international competition still operating in any sport.

  2. First Race: The inaugural race took place on August 22, 1851, around the Isle of Wight off Southampton and Portsmouth in Hampshire, England.

  3. Original Name: Initially, the trophy was called the "R.Y.S. £100 Cup," representing a cup valued at a hundred GB Pounds or "sovereigns."

  4. Mistaken Engraving: The America syndicate mistakenly engraved the cup as the "100 Guinea Cup," although it was also known as the "Queen's Cup."

Craftsmanship and Symbolism

The America's Cup is not just a trophy; it's a symbol of victory and craftsmanship. Its creation and the materials used are as fascinating as the races themselves.

  1. Manufactured in 1848: Crafted by London-based Robert Garrard & Co, the royal jeweler since 1735, the cup has a storied history.

  2. Sterling Silver: Made of top-quality sterling silver, the cup is never touched by bare human hands, only by agents wearing museum-quality white cotton gloves.

  3. Historical Significance: The cup symbolizes a great victory for the new world over the old, as it was won by the New York Yacht Club's America in 1851.

The Deed of Gift and Perpetual Competition

The Deed of Gift is a crucial element in the America's Cup, ensuring its legacy and perpetual competition.

  1. First Winner: The first winner was the America, a 100-foot (30-meter) schooner from New York City.

  2. Deed of Gift: In 1857, the surviving members of the America syndicate permanently donated the trophy to the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) under a Deed of Gift, renaming it the 'America's Cup'.

  3. Perpetual Competition: The Deed of Gift made the America's Cup available for perpetual international competition, ensuring its enduring legacy.

Evolution of the Yachts

The yachts used in the America's Cup have evolved significantly over the years, reflecting advancements in technology and design.

  1. Early Matches: Early matches were raced between yachts 65–90 ft (20–27 m) on the waterline owned by wealthy sportsmen.

  2. J-Class Regattas: The J-Class regattas of the 1930s were a highlight of early America's Cup competitions.

  3. 12-Meter Class: After World War II, the NYYC allowed smaller, less expensive 12-meter class yachts to compete, used from 1958 until 1987.

  4. International America's Cup Class: Introduced in 1990, the International America's Cup Class (IACC) was used until 2007.

  5. AC75 Foiling Monohull: The current class of boats, AC75 foiling monohulls, was introduced for the 36th America's Cup in 2021.

Records and Champions

The America's Cup has seen many champions and record-breaking moments. Here are some of the most notable.

  1. Most Titles: The New York Yacht Club holds the record for the most titles with 25 wins.

  2. Most Recent Champion: The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is the most recent champion, having successfully defended the 36th America's Cup in March 2021.

  3. Challenger and Defender: The America's Cup match races are held between two sailing yachts: one from the yacht club that currently holds the trophy (the defender) and the other from the yacht club that is challenging for the cup (the challenger).

  4. Winner's Rights: The winner has the right to decide the rules for the next contest, including the types of boats to be used, the location of the race course, and when the race will take place.

The Cost and Technology

Competing in the America's Cup is not just about skill; it's also about significant financial investment and cutting-edge technology.

  1. Expensive Competition: Modern teams spend more than $US100 million each. The 2013 winner was estimated to have spent $US300 million on the competition.

  2. High-Tech Boats: The boats are among the most high-tech in the world, featuring advanced materials and design.

Legendary Sailors and Teams

The America's Cup has seen some legendary sailors and teams who have left an indelible mark on the competition.

  1. Sir Russell Coutts: New Zealand sailor Sir Russell Coutts is the America's Cup's most successful racer, having won the cup five times, including three times as skipper.

  2. Perfect Record: Coutts has a perfect 14-0 record on the water during his three wins as skipper (1995, 2000, 2003).

  3. Oracle Team USA: Oracle Team USA, underwritten by billionaire Larry Ellison, won the 33rd and 34th America's Cups in 2010 and 2013, respectively.

  4. Comeback Victory: In 2013, Oracle Team USA staged a dramatic comeback victory against the Royal New Zealand Yacht Club, winning eight races in a row to win the 34th America's Cup with nine points to New Zealand's eight.

Memorable Moments and Locations

The America's Cup has had its share of memorable moments and has been held in various iconic locations.

  1. Longest Match: The 2013 America's Cup match was the longest on record, lasting 17 races.

  2. Emirates Team New Zealand: Emirates Team New Zealand dominated Oracle Team USA in all but one of nine final races in the 35th America’s Cup, decisively claiming victory.

  3. Bermuda Host: The 35th America's Cup, presented by Louis Vuitton, was hosted in Bermuda in 2017, marking a significant event in the history of the competition.

  4. Historical Hosts: Bermuda made its way into America’s Cup history as a host in 2017, following previous hosts like San Francisco, New Zealand, and Australia.

Security and Trophy Details

The America's Cup trophy has its own fascinating details, including security measures and modifications.

  1. Security Measures: The trophy is repaired by Garrard's of London after a Maori activist attacked it with a sledgehammer in 1997. It now travels with two security protection agents.

  2. Weight and Height: The trophy weighs approximately 32.4 lbs and stands 44 inches tall, having been modified twice to accommodate more names of winning teams.

  3. Carbon Fiber Base: The trophy’s simple wooden base was replaced with one made of the same carbon fiber as their yacht, USA 17, by ORACLE RACING in 2013.

  4. Names Engraved: The names of each of the 34 winning teams are engraved on the trophy, along with the race course length, winning time, and location, and yacht club.

Global Reach and Appeal

The America's Cup has a global appeal, attracting top sailors, yacht designers, and wealthy entrepreneurs from around the world.

  1. Locations: The America's Cup has been held in various locations over the years, including Cowes, San Francisco, Auckland, and Bermuda.

  2. Britain's Absence: Despite the inaugural race taking place in Cowes in 1851, Britain has never won the America’s Cup.

  3. USA Dominance: The USA has won the America’s Cup 28 times, while New Zealand has won it three times, Switzerland twice, and Australia once.

  4. Challengers and Defenders: The competition involves a series of elimination trials to determine the challenging and defending vessels, each designed, built, and outfitted solely in the country it represents.

  5. Course Lengths: The race course lengths have varied over the years, including a six-leg 24-mile (39-kilometer) course used from 1958 to 1987 and an eight-leg 22.6-mile (36.4-kilometer) course used from 1992 to 1995.

  6. Recent Developments: The 36th America's Cup introduced the AC75 foiling monohull class, which has significantly increased the speed and complexity of the competition.

  7. Global Appeal: The America's Cup attracts the world's top sailors, yacht designers, wealthy entrepreneurs, and sponsors, making it a test of sailing skill, boat and sail design, and fundraising and management skills.

The Legacy of America's Cup

The America's Cup stands as a testament to innovation, perseverance, and international sporting excellence. With its rich history dating back to 1851, this competition has evolved from simple fleet races to high-tech battles on the water. The New York Yacht Club holds the record for the most titles, while the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is the most recent champion. The introduction of the AC75 foiling monohulls has pushed the boundaries of sailing technology, making the races more thrilling than ever. The America's Cup isn't just about the boats; it's about the people, the passion, and the relentless pursuit of victory. From the dramatic comeback victories to the high-stakes investments, this competition continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The America's Cup remains a symbol of excellence, innovation, and the enduring spirit of competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is America's Cup?
Often referred to as the "Auld Mug," America's Cup is a prestigious yacht race, where sailing teams from around the globe compete. It's not just any race; it's the oldest international sporting trophy, dating back to 1851. This event has become a symbol of maritime excellence and innovation over the years.
How often does this event take place?
Unlike many other sports events that have a fixed schedule, America's Cup doesn't follow a yearly calendar. Instead, races occur based on the challenging team's and the defender's agreements, typically every three to four years. This flexibility adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to the competition.
Who gets to compete in America's Cup?
Competing in America's Cup is no small feat. Teams, often representing countries, must first go through a series of challenging races in the Louis Vuitton Cup (now known as the Prada Cup) to earn the right to challenge the current holder of the America's Cup. It's a battle of the best, where only top-notch sailors and technologically advanced yachts make it to the final showdown.
Has any team dominated the event historically?
Yes, several teams have left their mark on the America's Cup history. The New York Yacht Club held onto the trophy for an impressive 132 years, from 1851 to 1983, making it one of the longest winning streaks in sports history. However, in recent years, teams like Team New Zealand have shown exceptional skill and innovation, securing multiple victories.
What makes the yachts so special?
The yachts used in America's Cup aren't your average sailboats. They are marvels of modern engineering, designed to slice through water at incredible speeds. With advancements in hydrofoil technology, these vessels can "fly" above the water, reducing drag and reaching speeds that were once deemed impossible for sailing.
Can spectators watch the races live?
Absolutely! Spectators can watch these thrilling races both in-person, from designated viewing areas along the racecourse, and through various broadcasting channels. With the scenic backdrop of the open sea and cutting-edge yachts speeding by, watching America's Cup live is an unforgettable experience for sailing enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
What's the future of America's Cup?
Looking ahead, America's Cup is set to continue its legacy of innovation, competition, and international camaraderie. With each edition, teams push the boundaries of what's possible in yacht design and sailing tactics, ensuring that the future of America's Cup remains as exciting and unpredictable as ever.

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