Cowes Maritime Museum

The America's Cup Jubilee

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At 10.00am on August 22nd, 1851, the first race for the America's Cup started from Cowes.

The America's Cup Jubilee was a celebration of the 150th anniversary of this event.
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The Trophy

London jeweller Robert Garrard designed the America’s Cup in 1848, as a stock item. The trophy was purchased by the first Marquess of Anglesey, who presented it to the Royal Yacht Squadron as a racing trophy.

It was originally known as the "Royal Yacht Squadron Cup" or the "RYS Cup for One Hundred Sovereigns". The Cup subsequently became known as the "One Hundred Guinea(s) Cup", by the American syndicate that won it.

Today, the trophy is officially known as the America's Cup and affectionately called the "Auld Mug" by the sailing community.

The First Race

The schooner 'America' representing the New York Yacht Club faced 14 yachts from the Royal Yacht Squadron, in a race around the Island.

The event began with all the competitors anchored and with the sails down. America started poorly and was in fifth position when the yachts passed 'No Mans Buoy'. After passing on the inside of the 'Nab Lightship' she was able to build a lead and won by eight minutes from 'Aurora'.

The America's Cup is the most famous regatta in the sport of sailing. It is the oldest active trophy in international sport, predating the FA Cup by two decades and the Modern Olympics by 45 years.

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Replica of America - America's Cup Jubilee –
Cowes 2001


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JK4-Endeavour - America's Cup Jubilee – Cowes 2001

The Jubilee

The America's Cup Jubilee was a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the around-the-Island race that took place on August 22nd, 1851. In order to celebrate this anniversary, the America's Cup Jubilee Regatta took place in Cowes, attracting over 200 of the world's most beautiful yachts.
Racing took place over six days, the highlight of which was the re-enactment of the original race.

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Page last updated on: 26/07/2011