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The America's Cup: Where It All Started

8/17/2016

21 Comments

 
america's cup

The America's Cup Just Keeps Improving

The America's Cup is at the pinnacle of world match racing . It dates back to 1851, when it was first won by the yacht America on the coasts of England. Also known as the Auld Mug, the America's Cup is the oldest trophy in the sport, and the event has the longest winning streak in the sport. The New York Yacht Club (NYCC) held the trophy from 1857 until 1983 when it was finally won by Australia II and the Royal Perth Yacht Club. 

Until 1970 there was only ever one challenger, and the New York Club agreed that challengers would compete in a series of races to determine a rightful challenger. This Challenger Series, now known as the Louis Vuitton Cup, has turned into a World Match racing series that is now one of the most competitive, technologically advanced, and financially demanding series in world sports. The Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series has become sailing’s equivalent of Formula One racing. ​

The 2013 America’s Cup

In recent decades America's dominance of the event has waned with New Zealand, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy emerging as strong contenders. The last America’s Cup was held in San Francisco in 2013, on multi-hull foiling catamarans. After a demanding challenger series, Team New Zealand emerged as victors, seeing off the Italian and Swiss challengers. This set up the longest ever match series and set the stage for one of the biggest ever come-from-behind victories in the sport. Down 8-1 in the first of nine series, Oracle Team USA won eight races and claimed an unlikely and surprising victory. ​

2017 America’s Cup

​The event turns to Bermuda next year as Oracle Team USA is set to defend the Cup against match race ready challengers. The Louis Vuitton Cup starts May 26th with the final on June 17. This should be a fascinating series where technology, teamwork, and strategy are pushed to the limits.
21 Comments
Austin Kline
8/21/2016 08:15:43 am

I had no idea it dated back to 1851. Now that had to be a sight. To see those old boats racing had to be really something. I love articles like this because it also discussed the history of The America's Cup.

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John Willz
8/21/2016 02:08:00 pm

Sailing's version of Formula 1, I agree. A very exciting sport compared to some of its contemporaries.

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Farid Martin
8/21/2016 08:30:25 pm

The America's Cup is indeed a competition where the US will not easily surrender their title. One can be assured that they are in the fight for their lives on the water, and that the American teams are where the focus is going to maintain.

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Caroline Kaugher
8/22/2016 06:11:16 am

Bermuda will be a great spot for this challenge! Sure wish I could go and be a part of it all!

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becky brooks
8/22/2016 06:23:57 am

Fascinating information, and an topic close to my heart!

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Tim C
8/22/2016 09:10:41 am

Wow, very exciting to read. Thanks for the info!

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courtnee
8/22/2016 12:09:17 pm

Wow, I had no idea this even existed. I randomly stumbled across this article & I'm glad I did. What a history behind this race, very inspiring to see someone so passionate.

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Lina
8/22/2016 02:24:55 pm

Wow, interesting article. I can't believe how long ago it started.. Good luck in the 2017 events!

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Montanna Slight
8/22/2016 09:10:49 pm

This has been going on longer than I thought it has! Very interesting sport, and would love to see it in action.

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Connie Mastroianni
8/23/2016 07:14:19 am

Cant believe where it started. Good luck in the events.

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Kristin
8/23/2016 03:04:41 pm

This article is awesome! Very interesting and informative! So many things I did not know! The saying you learn something new everyday definitely applies here! Great read!

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Mike Teberio
8/23/2016 08:29:19 pm

This is some of the most fasinating things i have read about in a long time i didn't know it dated back thay far i have been following up on this for a very long time it was always something that interested me and my family has been waiting too read something like this because my grandparents loved this sport and brought our family up on it. Can't wait too read about more !!!

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Felicia
8/24/2016 04:04:03 pm

I don't like being in the water, but I love to see others compete in the American Cup. Lets see if America can win next year in 2017!

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HannahV
8/26/2016 05:23:53 pm

Nice to know the history and I'd love to see America's Cup return to its namesake in upcoming years.

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Mona
8/29/2016 09:13:21 am

Very interesting - I had no idea of this elaborate history.

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Cynthia
8/31/2016 08:35:07 am

I have always heard the talk of the Americas Cup, but never really knew the history behind it. This is very interesting and makes me a little more excited about future races! I may even pay more attention to it in 2017 !

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Abby
8/31/2016 05:48:48 pm

Can't wait to the final next year. It's going to be a great one. Rooting for USA!

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Amber B
9/2/2016 06:34:18 pm

Amazing article! Good luck in the future events!

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Jonathan
9/2/2016 10:53:14 pm

Wow had no idea of this great race! Great Article!

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Marvz
9/3/2016 01:46:42 pm

I like your detailed article. Now, I know where and how the America's cup all started. I'll be an avid fan reader of your blog from now on.

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Connie Mastroianni
11/9/2016 10:22:07 am

The America Cup is always progressing to new heights. I also learned how the America Cup was formed and hope they win again.

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    Cameron Poetzscher

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    Cameron Poetzscher is a Harvard Business School graduate with extensive M&A, business strategy and operations experience.
    He is the VP of Corporate Development at Uber, and is passionate about sport.

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