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.
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.
