American Cup Yacht Race History since 1851 from Isle of Wight in Britain

The America's Cup: A Story in Bullet Points

Introduction:

Format of the Races:

Match races occur between two sailing yachts: the defender (holding the cup) and the challenger.
Races are held every few years, agreed upon by the defender and challenger.
No fixed schedule; historically, races occur every three to four years.

Origins and Donation:

Originally called 'R.Y.S. £100 Cup,' awarded in 1851 by the British Royal Yacht Squadron.
Won by the schooner America, owned by a syndicate from the New York Yacht Club (NYYC).
Permanently donated to the NYYC in 1857 under the Deed of Gift, renaming it the 'America's Cup.'
Deed requires perpetual international competition.

Challenges and Defenses:

Any yacht club meeting deed requirements can challenge the cup holder.
If the challenger wins, it gains stewardship of the cup.
Early defenses had only one challenger, but multiple challengers introduced selection series from 1970.
Prada Cup (formerly Louis Vuitton Cup) determines the official challenger.

Significance and Cost:

The America's Cup attracts top sailors, yacht designers, entrepreneurs, and sponsors.
A test of sailing skill, boat design, fundraising, and management.
Highly expensive; modern teams spend over $100 million each.

Historical Significance:

NYYC held the cup for 132 years until defeated by the Royal Perth Yacht Club's Australia II in 1983.
Longest winning streak in any sport.
Early races were between large yachts; classes evolved over time.

Rule Changes:

Post-WWII, the 12-metre class replaced larger yachts.
In 1990, the International America's Cup Class replaced the 12-metre class.
The 2010 America's Cup saw 90 ft multihull yachts; subsequent races used foiling catamarans.

Current Status:

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron holds the cup after winning the 36th America's Cup in 2021.
Defended with AC75 foiling monohull named Te Rehutai.
The 37th and 38th America's Cup matches will use AC75 class yachts.

Historical Development:

1851: America Wins the Cup:

America, a schooner, won the inaugural race in 1851, beating 15 yachts in the Isle of Wight regatta.
Queen Victoria famously asked about the second-place yacht, and the reply was, "Ah, Your Majesty, there is no second."

1870–1881: First Challenges:

James Lloyd Ashbury's challenge in 1870 led to the first dispute over the format.
The 1876 challenge was the first contested between two yachts only.
Challenges between 1881 and 1887 saw rule amendments and innovation.

1885–1887: The NYYC Rule:

The Deed of Gift amended in 1881 to require challenges only from yacht clubs on the sea.
Introduction of a new rating rule by Archibald Cary Smith in response to unsuccessful Canadian challenges.
British challenger Thistle was defeated by the American Volunteer in 1887.

1889–1903: The Seawanhaka Rule:

1903: The 13th America Cup Yacht Race:

1914–1937: The Universal Rule:

The cancellation of the 1914 America's Cup due to World War I.
Introduction of the Universal Rule in 1914, considering overall length and displacement.
The 1934 races involved technological advancements and disputes.

1956–1987: The Twelve-Metre Rule:

1987: The First America's Cup Outside the U.S.:

Interest in challenging increased in 1970, leading to multiple challenger regattas.
Alan Bond's challenges in the 1970s and 1980s.
Australia II's victory in 1983, ending NYYC's 132-year reign.
Technological controversies and changes in yacht design.

1956–1987: The Twelve-Metre Rule (Continued):

Transition to the Twelve-Metre Rule in 1956.
Challenges from Britain, Australia, and other countries in the 1960s and 1970s.
Alan Bond's unsuccessful challenges in the 1970s.
Technological advancements, controversies, and the introduction of fiberglass hulls.

Conclusion:

The America's Cup has evolved through various rule changes, yacht designs, and challenges.
It remains a pinnacle in sailing, combining tradition, innovation, and international competition.