Saturday
As sporting competitions go, it may not be one of the most visually enthralling, but the America's Cup yachting race festival - held this year in Valencia in Spain - has to be up there as one of the most prestigious and oldest. Started in Victorian Britain, the prize to win he massive trophy got its name from the fact that, for more than 150 years or so, America managed to win the series of race matches without a break until, in 1983, the Australian-backed team led by skipper John Bertrand beat a yacht helmed by legendary US race maestro Dennis Conner.
I love the shape and design of 12-metre yachts, and the J-class yachts that were raced in the 1920s and 1930s are arguably some of the most beautiful creations to be struck from the hand of man. I often find that people who do not know much about sailing like to put prints of J-Class vessels on their walls. I think there is something about the aesthetic of such a racing boat that appeals to us in much the same way that a sleek aircraft does. In many respects the design of a modern yacht has a lot in common with the design of aircraft, so perhaps it is not surprising that some of the top aircraft designers, such as Thomas Sopwith, were keen sailors too.
Largely due to the lack of time and of course money, I do not do as much sailing as in my younger days but I hope to get in some time afloat later this year, possibly including the race around the Isle of Wight, part of the Cowes Week yatchting series. I always seem to return from a yachting holiday or race feeling absolutely knackered but also refreshed by getting completely away from the office. You love it or you hate it. For me, sailing is as addictive as nicotine or booze. I intend to take the shore-based Yachtmaster navigation course this winter and eventually go for the full ticket.
Anyway, I will be interested to see if the USA can win back the America's Cup trophy this year. I do not think Britain stands much of a chance, unless some rich-as-Croesus character decides to fund a serious challenge for the trophy.
If I recall correctly the first winner of the cup was a schooner called America, and that also had to do with the name.
It's a shame the big old boats were so expensive. They sure were beautiful. Even more than with aircraft, if it didn't look right it didn't work right.
Lynwood
Posted by Lynwood at April 21, 2007 06:20 PM
#1 beat me to it.
The cup is not named for the American winning streak. It is named for the first yacht to win the competion. That apostrophe isn't accidental, nor is the word 'The'.
But probably the cup would not have that name today in popular usage if the American entrys had not won continously for such a long time.
Presumably the owner names an object. And since the cup ownership goes to the winner we have only the commonly recognized name.
Posted by K at April 21, 2007 06:30 PM
As a sailor, I've followed this around the world and liked the '87 in Perth a lot. I was also in San Diego for the Connor travesty.
My own connection is with C Class and the Little America's Cup. Don't know if you know it, Johnathan.
Posted by jameshigham at April 21, 2007 06:52 PM
In those days yacht races began with all boats anchored and with the sails down. The 'America' was the slowest boat at the start, but managed to surpass all others and was first home.
A well known legend speaks of Queen Victoria, watching the race from her Royal Yacht, was dismayed of the result and, hoping for some consolation, enquired who came in second. To which came the famous reply, 'Your Majesty, there is no second.'.
Afterwards the winning yacht 'America' was sold, but the trophy took up residence at the New York Yacht Club.
More here.
Posted by Midwesterner at April 21, 2007 10:28 PM
K, thanks for pointing that out; I skimmed the website and thought it was the winning streak that was the reason for the name. But as you say, it would probably be called that now anyway because of the amazing unbroken run.
Posted by Johnathan Pearce at April 22, 2007 11:01 AM
JP: I agree. While the name itself applies to one specific yacht the public usage grew from the long American retention. So I don't regard either way as being much of a mistake.
Had the English promptly rewon the cup the competition would not have gained public interest. And the Cup would probably have a mundane name.
Posted by K at April 22, 2007 10:32 PM
Live sailing lags audio by 1 minute. Very frustrating after shelling out $39.95. Any ideas on how to fix?
Posted by Roger at April 24, 2007 01:57 PM
In Sir Thomas Liptons biography, the story is told that on one of his 5 attempts to win the America's cup, some woman asked him if the Americans put something in the water to prevent him winning. He replied, "Yes Madam, they do. Better boats".
Another quote, possibly attributed to Lipton, is "Brittania rules the waves and America waives the rules". This quote has been revisited many times as often the goings on in court seemed to overshadow the sailing itself. The over litigious nature that the Americans are renowned for (maybe unfairly but I don't think so) has spoiled this contest on many an occasion.
Posted by deltawingman at April 24, 2007 02:24 PM
