Schooner Yacht America (1851)

The schooner yacht America was built in 1851 in New York to take on Great Britain's formidable Royal Yacht Squadron. Nicknamed the "low, black schooner," the America challenged the squadron that year in a race for the Hundred Guineas Cup. Although she had a less than spectacular start, she soon caught up with and passed the rest of the competitors.

When the America crossed the finish line, the lead was so great that when Queen Victoria asked for the name of the second place vessel her captain replied, "Your Majesty, there is no second."

From then on, the trophy has been known as "The America's Cup," the world's most prestigious yachting trophy.

Model created by Christopher N. Hitchcock for a private collection.

Click on an image to enlarge it.

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