The America’s Cup, also known as the Copa América of regattas, is a sailing competition that has been held since 1851.
In this publication, we will tell you the history of the America’s Cup, from its beginnings to the present, and we will tell you about the next edition of the competition, which will take place in Barcelona in 2024.
The America’s Cup is a sailing competition that has been held since 1851. It is the oldest trophy in international sport and has become one of the most important events in the world of sailing. The competition is held every several years and pits the best sailing teams in the world against each other.
It is also revolutionizing technology, innovation and sustainability in the world of sailing, nautical and regattas.
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The America’s Cup from its beginnings to the present
First steps of the America’s Cup
The history of the America’s Cup dates back to 1851, when the first edition was held on the Isle of Wight, in England. The syndicate headed by John Cox Stevens defeated a large fleet of 15 British ships with their ship America.
After selling their boat, the owners’ union donated the trophy to the New York Yacht Club through the Deed Of Gift of the America’s Cup, specifying that it would be held in trust as a challenge trophy. perpetual to promote friendly competition among nations.
In 1870, the British James Lloyd Ashbury presented the first challenge to the North American club, but was defeated. He repeated his attempt in 1871, in a best-of-7 challenge, which he lost again 4-1.
A new stage in the history of the America’s Cup
A series of unsuccessful Canadian and British challenges followed until, in 1899, the era of the intrepid Irish businessman Sir Thomas Lipton began, who launched five consecutive challenges between 1899 and 1920 with the legendary saga of his five Shamrock ships.
In 1930 the regatta headquarters were moved from New York to Newport and the boat was regulated to the legendary J Class, which could only compete in three editions due to World War II. There was a long break, until 1958 when the modern era of the history of the America’s Cup began.
The boat became the smaller and more affordable International 12 Meter Class, prompting a proliferation of participants, both American defenders and foreign challengers.
Among them was the Australian Alan Bond, who unsuccessfully launched three consecutive challenges (1974-1977-1980), until the fourth time was the charm, and for the first time the United States lost the America’s Cup in 1983, when they won 3-4. with its controversial Australia II with a revolutionary winged keel to the Liberty defender, skippered by Dennis Conner. In that edition, Louis Vuitton began to sponsor the qualifying series of the candidates.
Competition and rivalry at the highest level
After winning the series among 13 contenders, Conner regained the Cup in 1987 with his legendary Stars & Stripes, in the event held in the Australian waters of Fremantle, against the Australian defender Kookaburra III. This time it was the New Zealand syndicate Kiwi Magic that was going to technologically revolutionize the competition with a boat made of fiberglass.
Anticipating the fact that Conner would publish the Protocol of his new defense, the New Zealand banker Michael Fay caught him by surprise by launching a challenge that, after litigation in the New York courts, was disputed under the Deed of Gift in 1988. Conner put together a 40-foot catamaran with a wing sail to take on the gigantic 72-foot Fay monohull named New Zealand.
Since then there have been many exciting and surprising editions. The last edition took place in New Zealand in March 2021 and was won by Emirates Team New Zealand. The history of the America’s Cup is full of competitiveness and rivalry at its highest level.
Modern era in the history of the America’s Cup
Summary of the competitions in the history of the America’s Cup from 1989 to 2021:
- 1989: The American team Stars & Stripes, led by Dennis Conner, won the competition in Australian waters against the New Zealand team Kiwi Magic.
- 1992: The American team America3, led by Bill Koch, won the competition in American waters against the Italian team Il Moro di Venezia.
- 1995: The New Zealand team Team New Zealand, led by Peter Blake, won the competition in American waters against the American team Young America.
- 2000: The New Zealand team Team New Zealand, led by Russell Coutts, won the competition in New Zealand waters against the Italian team Luna Rossa.
- 2003: The Swiss team Alinghi, led by Ernesto Bertarelli, won the competition in New Zealand waters against the New Zealand team Team New Zealand.
- 2007: The Swiss team Alinghi, led by Ernesto Bertarelli, won the competition in Valencian waters against the New Zealand team Team New Zealand.
- 2010: The American BMW Oracle Racing team, led by Larry Ellison, won the competition in Valencian waters against the Swiss team Alinghi.
- 2013: The New Zealand team Team New Zealand, led by Dean Barker, won the competition in American waters against the American team Oracle Team USA.
- 2017: The American team Oracle Team USA, led by Jimmy Spithill, won the competition in Bermuda waters against the New Zealand team Emirates Team New Zealand.
- 2021: The New Zealand team Emirates Team New Zealand, led by Peter Burling, won the competition in New Zealand waters against the Italian team Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli.
Technology, development and innovation in the history of the America’s Cup
Research and development in sailing regattas
Research and development is fundamental to improving the performance of sailing boats, and has played a fundamental role in the history of the America’s Cup. Sailing teams are constantly looking for new ways to improve their boats to gain a competitive advantage. In recent years, there have been many technological advances in the sector.
The innovation, development and technological improvement that the history of the America’s Cup has developed has improved the world of sailing and nautical
Hydrogen as an energy source
One of the latest technological developments in the sector is the use of renewable or clean energy, such as hydrogen. Hydrogen is a clean energy source that does not produce polluting emissions. Some sailing teams are using hydrogen to fuel their boats, which makes the history of the America’s Cup also within the framework of sustainability and respect for the sea.
Another technological novelty is the use of lighter and more resistant materials to build the boats. Teams are using materials like carbon fiber to build lighter, stronger boats.
Companies that are innovating in the nautical sector
There are many companies that are innovating in the sail racing sector. One of them is SailGP, a global racing league that uses advanced technology to improve boat performance. Another company is INEOS TEAM UK, a British team that is using advanced technology to build a faster, more efficient boat.
The history of the America’s Cup has created and generated very important innovations in the nautical sector. Many companies are interested in this opportunity for improvement and development in different fields, among which is sustainability.
Economic inversion
Research and development in sail racing requires a large financial investment. The teams need funding to develop new technologies and build more advanced ships. The America’s Cup is one of the most expensive sporting events in the world, with an estimated cost of $100 million per team.
In short, research and development is essential to improving the performance of sailing boats. Teams are using new technologies such as hydrogen and lighter, stronger materials to build more advanced ships. There are many companies that are innovating in the sector, and economic investment is essential to develop new technologies. These achievements make the history of the America’s Cup even bigger.
The America’s Cup Barcelona 2024
The next edition of the America’s Cup will take place in Barcelona in August-October 2024. The competition will be held around Port Vell and along the beaches to Port Olímpic. The headquarters will be located within the Port Vell area and surrounded by the Village.
Barcelona thus becomes part of the history of the America’s Cup.
You can ask about the services for this wonderful event and experience it firsthand, enjoying it as a family, private group or as a couple. You have at your disposal our WhatsApp / telephone number 639 433 079 and our contact form.
Julián Guisado
