The History of the America’s Cup

Oregonsportshall.com – The America’s Cup is one of the oldest and most prestigious sailing events in the world, and is steeped in history and tradition. It has been held since 1851, and the countries that have taken part in the competition have changed a great deal over the years. The event is not just about sailing, but also about the countries and cultures that take part in it. In this article, we will take a look at the history of the America’s Cup, and how it has changed over the years.

The Early Years

The America’s Cup was first held in 1851, when a schooner called the America, which was owned by wealthy New York businessman John Cox Stevens, raced against a fleet of British yachts in a race around the Isle of Wight in England. The America won the race, and the trophy that became known as the America’s Cup was awarded to the yacht’s owner. This event sparked a long-running rivalry between the two countries, with the British seeking to regain the trophy for many years, but ultimately failing to do so.

The 20th Century

The 20th century saw a new era of competition for the America’s Cup, with a number of countries from around the world competing for the trophy. Australia, New Zealand, Italy, France, and the United States all took part in the event, but the most successful nation was the United States, which won the trophy a total of 20 times. This period also saw a number of technological advances in sailing, with the development of the modern racing yacht, and the introduction of the sailboat racing circuit.

The 21st Century

The 21st century has seen the America’s Cup become a truly global event, with teams from around the world taking part. The competition is now held every four years, and the most recent edition of the event was held in Bermuda in 2017. This event saw the United States defend the trophy, with Oracle Team USA defeating the challenger, Emirates Team New Zealand, in a dramatic 7-1 series.

Conclusion

The America’s Cup is one of the oldest and most prestigious sailing events in the world, and has a long and fascinating history. The event has changed a great deal over the years, with different countries taking part and a number of technological advances being made. Today, the event is held every four years and is truly a global spectacle.