Description:
AMERICA, 1851 LOA: 109'
LWL: 90' 3"
Beam: 22'
Draft:11 '
Sail Area: 5,263 sq. ft
AMERICA, probably the most famous racing yacht in history, was designed and built to accomplish a single task: to demonstrate to the Old World that New World technology had matured enough not only to be competitive, but to be superior.
In 1851, at the behest of six members of the fledgling New York Yacht Club, designer George Steers created plans for a fast "pilot" boat, utilizing a reversal of the "cods-head-and-mackerel-tail" style of boat design. The resulting, sharp-bowed, AMERICA - after some growing pains associated with spar sizing and sail rig configuration - sailed for England to answer a challenge from the Royal Yacht Squadron.
Some early "jousting" with British vessels shortly after AMERICA'S arrival in the English Channel ended any element of surprise the Americans may have hoped for. It had become quite apparent to all observers that the schooner was very fast, and not the sort of vessel against which it would be prudent to place any large wagers . On August 22,1851, AMERICA was declared the winner of a 53-mile clockwise race around the Isle of Wight. After a large fireworks display viewed by about 7,000 on lookers, the crew was celebrated by the members of the RYS. And on August 25, at her anchorage off Osborne House, the schooner was honored by a visit from Queen Victoria and her entourage.
At first, America's crew considered melting down their prize, valued at £100 (100 English pounds), to make commemorative medals of their victory. What they did with the trophy instead laid the foundation for what has become the longest contested trophy in international sport, the America’s Cup.
Upon returning to New York, Commodore Stevens presented the Hundred Guinea Cup (now the America's Cup) to the members of the New York Yacht Club at a gala of "ten courses and 56 dishes ."
This is a nicely-made half model, measuring 15.5 inches on deck. The hull was rough-carved in Maine some years ago, and was recently finished in my shop in Florida. It is laminated at the waterline, with the grain of the wood going horizontally for the topsides, and vertically below the waterline. The effect is subtle, but effective.
The model is best displayed against a light-colored wall, and is cleverly designed to hang from a single concealed tiny finish nail, or even a common sewing pin. Or, it could be mounted on a suitable backboard .
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