 |
| America's Cup |
In 1851 Commodore John Cox Stevens, a charter member of the New York Yacht Club (NYYC), formed a six-person syndicate to build a yacht with the intention of going to England and make money competing in yachting regattas and match races. The syndicate contracted with pilot boat designer George Steers for a 101 ft (30.78 m) schooner, which was christened America when launched 3 May 1851. On 22 August 1851, America raced against 15 yachts of the Royal Yacht Squadron in the Club's annual 53-nautical-mile (98 km) regatta around the Isle of Wight. America won, finishing 8 minutes ahead of the closest rival. Reportedly, Queen Victoria, who was watching at the finish line, asked who was second, the famous answer being: "Ah, Your Majesty, there is no second." The surviving members of the America syndicate donated the cup via the Deed of Gift of the America's Cup to the NYYC on 8 July 1857, specifying it be held in trust as a perpetual challenge trophy to promote friendly competition among nations. The America's Cup is the oldest international sporting trophy.America's Cup: There Is No Second:
Video above published May 10, 2017, by AmericasCup.com: “Your Majesty, there is no second”. A four-word phrase spoken to Queen Victoria in 1851 that to this day exemplifies the America’s Cup and its winner-takes-all pursuit of excellence. The battle for the 35th America's Cup will be just as fierce as that first America's Cup, as there still is no second in the oldest trophy in international sport.
The oldest trophy in international sport
The key players of the 35th America's Cup talk about why this trophy is so coveted, so prestigious, and so difficult to win. Since 1851 the America's Cup trophy has represented the pinnacle of sporting achievement, and it is no different today.
35th America's Cup, 26 May - 27 June, 2017, Bermuda
more about sailing below (@ web version link below for mobile)
Follow @johnthecrowd
