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America
Cup History
In 1848, Queen Victoria
authorized the creation of a "One Hundred Guinea Cup" of solid silver
(134oz), 27" tall for a yacht race "open to all nations."
In 1851 one American boat
challenged 16 English ships. The Royal Yacht "Squadron" of Cowes,
England was the host. The New York Yacht Club entry was the schooner "America."
W.H. Brown, the designer, was so confident of his design that he refused
payment if "America" did not win. The oft-quoted remark by the Queen
was sparked by a great lead and victory around the Isle of Wight over the 16
other yachts. She asked, "Who is first?" "America" has won,
she was told. "Who was second," asked the Queen? The reply still
echoes - "Your Majesty, there is no second."
In 30 defenses
since then, the interplay of national pride, giant egos, wide-ranging brilliant
designs, and now modern technology, have kept the cup very much alive. The 132
years of successful defense by the New York Yacht
Club remains the longest record in sports history. Sir Thomas Lipton tried for
31 years to win The Cup, commencing in 1899. From schooners, to J-boats, to 12
meters to the current IOAC designs, men's brains, wits, skills and money have
been locked in sea-swept combat.
Stehlin Engineering Contribution to Alinghi
for the America Cup 2003
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