AMERICA 1851 YACHT SCHOONER SAIL RACE BOAT SHIP MODEL

                                                                                                        AMERICA 1851  

                                                                                      SIZE:  L 39" X H 33"    NEW IN BOX     

The America was a 19th century racing yacht which gave its name to the international sailing trophy it was the first to win the America's Cup, known then as the Royal Yacht Squadron's "One Hundred Guinea Cup". The schooner was designed by George Steers for Commodore John Cox Stevens and a syndicate from the New York Yacht Club. On August 22, 1851, the America won by eight minutes over the Royal Yacht Squadron's 53 mile regatta around the Isle of Wight.

The race was held on August 22nd, 1851, with a 10:00 AM start for a line of seven schooners and another of eight cutters. America had a slow start due to a fouled anchor and was well behind when she was finally under way. But within a half an hour she was in 5th place and gaining.

The eastern shoals of the Isle of Wight are called the Nab Rocks. Traditionally races would sail around the east (seaward) side of the lightship that marked the edge of the shoal, but one could sail between the lightship and the mainland if they had a knowledgeable pilot. America had such a pilot, and he took her down the west (landward) side of the lightship. After the race a contestant protested this action, but was overuled due to the fact that the official race rules did not specify which side of the lightship a boat had to go on

The result of this tactic put the America in the lead. She held this lead throughout the rest of the race. At one point the jib boom broke due to a crew error, but it was replaced in fifteen minutes. On the final leg of the race the yacht Aurora closed but was 8 minutes behind when the America finished shortly after 6:00 PM.  Legend has it that while watching the race, Queen Victoria asked who was second, and received the famous reply: "There is no second, your Majesty."