America's Cup Chronicles:- The History of the America's Cup
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- čas přidán 5. 02. 2021
- For over 170 years the America’s Cup has been the most sought after prize in sailing.
As the oldest international sporting event in the world it has driven innovation that transformed what started as a mode transport into a high energy sport where boats fly above the water at 5 times the speed of the wind.
The allure of the Cup has driven wealthy millionaires and eventually billionaires to great lengths to get their hands on the ultimate prize in sailing. Governed by what was supposed to be a simple document that gifted the Cup to the New York Yacht club and invited friendly competition to challenge for it. The intended outcome was very different to reality as challengers and defenders alike used the Deed of Gift to try and gain an advantage in their quest for the Cup. While at times it has felt like the biggest battles took place in the courtroom rather than out on the water and many argue that this takes the focus off the sailing, from our perspective it only adds to the mystery and intrigue of the Cup.
The team at Bottom Up Boats has decided it is time to document our version of the history of the cup, taking a look at the winners, the losers and everything in between. From the early fleet races sailed on a handicap system to the NYYC rule, the Cup has created a platform that has led to some of the most iconic yacht designs in history. From the majestic J-Class to the tireless 12 metres, we have now arrived in the future with the foiling monohulls being raced today.
Many have tried but few have succeeded in getting their hands on the wholly grail of sporting trophies, for over 132 years after the first match where John Cox Stevens and his Yacht America defeated the British fleet it seemed like the Cup may remain the property of the New York Yacht club for ever. From Sir Thomas Liption and his 5 challenges to Alan Bond and beyond we tip our hats to the owners who caught the bug and then dedicated a lifetime of effort to chase their dream of lifting the cup.
We’ll dissect the races delving into the details that made the difference, reliving the highs and lows as the challengers push to overcome the advantages which were often afforded the defender. Come on board to see all the action, from Shamrock IV’s challenge which saw them lead 2-0 before losing 3 races in a row to resolute, through too Australia II and the boxing Kangaroo who finally KO’ed Liberty and the NYYC all the way to the greatest ever come back in sport when Oracle Team USA learnt to fly up wind and overturned an 8 races to 1 deficit in their victory over Team New Zealand to name but a few.
Sailing purest's often argue that the cup is not the right version of our sport to represent to a global audience of non sailors, arguing that the purity of one design racing would have a greater appeal. Regardless of what position you take, if you love the sport of sailing it is hard to disagree that the Cup has and will continue to provide magical memories which will continue to redefine what is possible in our great sport.
From Ben Lexans winged keel that did as much damage on and under the water as it did to the minds of Dennis Conor and his crew on Liberty above it. To the amazing KZ-1 that was defeated by a boat which was half its length and had a wing for a sail, there was always something to talk about or take to court.
Legends like Russell Coutts with his three cups and a 14 - 0 record would always push their boats to the limit to get every last inch of advantage over the oppositions. Regardless of the risks involved crews would continue to push, doing so in the knowledge that they were moments away from going past what the boat could handle or was designed to do. When crews have pushed too far the results of doing so have led to it all collapsing around them in seconds The captains of the schooners and cutters of days gone by could not imagine how Dean Barker was supposed to control the Pattriot as she spread her wings and took to the air.
The last 10 years of the Cup have taken us to places which many would have thought impossible with all manner of crazy craft that has set sailing on what looks like an irreversible path to fly above the water rather than floating on it. We are now at the point where I can confidently say I have no idea where the future of the cup will take us, while I know there is an ever growing number of purest who will continue to shout louder for a return to the displacement boats of the past I am now firmly in the camp of letting the cup run on it current path to continually redefine the art of the possible bringing everyone along for the ride…. - Sport
Two of three historical events have happened. 1) America winning it 2) Australia winning it. There is only one more remaining this century - 3) UK winning it where it all began.
Maybe also a black swan event - cup buried under a volcano, or ends up bottom of ocean from a plane crash.
LOL. As a proud Ozzie that will always remember what was done in 83 it is frustrating that as a proud sailing nation we no longer compete. In lieu of us getting our act together I agree it would be nice to see the cup return to it starting point in the UK.
The world is a crazy place these days so you could never rule out a black swan event… I would prefer the plane crash and subsequent treasure hunt to it getting melted down as I love the shape of the old mug.
I don't mind foiling boats now, but I do wish for something else. If I were to come into money somehow, then I'd attempt to start a sailing event where each race was a point to point race, and each boat had to be loaded with cargo. I think that would be an interesting design challenge, and may create technology that could improve the shipping industry. Foils are very cool, but they don't add anything practically outside of recreation and sport that I can see yet.
It will be interesting to see if any of the technology in these modern races makes it way into the commercial world. When you look at motor racing and use F1 as a comparison we are starting to see the benefits of both Bio Fuel and Battery Technology make its way into the road cars see in everyday use. It would be great to see the Cup Drive as similar evolution on the seas...
@@BottomUPBoats Indeed!