Tribute To Sport's Oldest Trophy - America's Cup
Americans Once Held The Longest Winning Streak In History
Dec 5, 2008
For centuries, history showed the British dominated the seas until 1851, when the United States met their challenge for a friendly race around the Isle of Wight. John Cox Stevens, commodore of the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) built a 90 foot schooner christened America and brilliantly won the race, bringing the the historic trophy to the United States. Though no confirmed record, it is likely safe to say its creators could never have imaged the role it would play in history.
A Historical Name
The trophy, which mirrors the look of a silver plated pitcher, was originally called the “Royal Yacht Squadron Cup” or the “RYS Cup for One Hundred Sovereigns”. After the American victory and bringing the "cup" home to NYYC, it was officially named the America's Cup after the schooner America, not the country. Amongst the sailing community the Cup is warmly known as the "Auld Mug." Having been commissioned in 1848 by Garrard & Co.; it will be going into its 161st year and represents the oldest continuous trophy in sporting history.
Old School Traditions Meet Modern Day Innovation
The America's Cup symbolizes a time honored tradition of international sportsmanship. The NYYC, founded in 1844 and only seven years prior to the 1851 challenge, initiated and shaped the heritage and traditions which define sailing's most honored event. Presently the event is experiencing a state of delay, with uncertainty to when the next event will be held.
However, while courtrooms battle the interpretation of men from over a hundred years ago, aspirations to win the famous trophy inspire boat, sail and hardware designers to carry on with the innovation that's come to be expected, with hopes to meet the challenge, winning the prestigious silver award.
Sailing Made History
The act of sailing, using the wind's power to propel a boat from one point to another, has a solid foot hold in history. The sport of sailing, however, did not show up on the map till 1983, when NYYC lost the Auld Mug. The Americans dominated the yachting world for nearly 132 years and breaking this profound winning streak made International headlines.
Today, all the world knows what the America's Cup is and understands that sailing is both sport and hobby. It's an event enjoyed by anyone who follows competitive sports, especially one with a mix of human drama, innovative technology and the occasional turbulence. This is a race where wealthy men come to play and the egos match one another as fiercely as the boats.
Even when the regatta is on a hiatus, there is almost always a story to follow. Though all the stories stem from the desire to be in contention to win the most famous trophy in sporting history.
 |
 |
