A Brief History Lesson on the America’s Cup
Back in 1851, Great Britain organized the first World’s Fair, an international expo titled The Great Exhibition in which different nations exhibited their industrial creations. After the USA had been challenged by England to build the world’s fastest sailing vessel, the New York Yacht Club (“NYYC”) sponsored the construction of the first Schooner America, defeating England’s racing yacht. America received a trophy awarded by the Royal Yacht Squadron for winning a race around the Isle of Wight, and the trophy was eventually donated to the New York Yacht Club. It had been renamed the “America’s Cup” after the schooner, marking the birth of the oldest international sporting trophy.
The NYYC managed to defend The Cup until the Royal Perth Yacht Club ended the NYYC’s 132-year winning streak with Australia II. However, this year, America’s Cup racing is finally making its iconic return to New York City for the first time since 1920! In the World Series, Oracle Team USA will be defending the cup on behalf of the Golden Gate Yacht Club.
Upcoming Races in NYC
Before the America’s Cup takes place in Bermuda in June of 2017, where Oracle Team USA will be defending the cup on behalf of the Golden Gate Yacht Club, New York City will be hosting the prologue to the cup – the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series regatta. Warm-ups will occur on Friday, May 6th and official races are scheduled for Saturday, May 7th and Sunday, May 8th. Races will take place on the lower Hudson River by Battery Park City, where you will be able to witness the world’s expert sailors racing in the world’s fastest boats! Defending champion USA, and challengers New Zealand, Great Britain, Sweden, Japan, and France are the six countries being represented by sailing teams at the New York race.
How can I watch it?
The Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series New York Event Village will be located at Brookfield Place Waterfront Plaza, where there will be entertainment and food vendors. Access to the event village is free and open to the public on Saturday and Sunday. The Dock-Out Show, live broadcasting of races, and the Awards Ceremony, will also take place there. Over 20,000 spectators are expected to gather to watch the thrilling races from both the land and water. Both the New York Harbor and waterfront parks on either side of the Hudson are great places to see the races. You can also watch from the water near the race course in your boat or a Sailo boat for an up-close view of the excitement. Don’t miss out on this historical and monumental event!
