[daltonmiddleto]

It’s the most coveted prize in sailing yacht racing. The next phase of the AC World Series, the precursor to the America’s Cup yacht racing competition, begins October 2 in San Francisco. This series of matches, or fleet races, will lead up to the America’s Cup that will be held in San Francisco staring July 4, 2013. San Francisco’s own Golden Gate Yacht Club will be the defending team for that set of races. The America’s Cup was first awarded in 1851 to the scooner America, captained by the Royal Yacht Squadron, following a race around the Isle of Wight. American yachters then went on the longest winning streak in sports. It lasted until 1983, when Australia II, from The Royal Perth Yacht Club, famously captured the cup.

[brocktice]

The America’s Cup World Series began in 2011 as a sort of warm-up and prequalification for the main competition. For the World Series races, a specific type of boat, the AC45, is used by all teams. It’s a wingsail catamaran, and is smaller than the AC72 which will be used in next summer’s America’s Cup races. Teams for the upcoming races will sail from the St. Francis and Golden Gate Yacht Clubs, just off of Marina Boulevard.

[coinguy]

more

[benyclawn]

Experience the true thrill of America’s Cup – join us for a race aboard USA 76! Participate in active crew positions as we challenge other yachts on San Francisco Bay for first place. No experience is necessary and we provide all the gear you will need.

[Guillermo]

Sail Stats: $190 | 3+ hours | Participation encouraged | Inflatable life jacket provided

[Sammy T]

Sail Stats: $190| 3 hours | Participation encouraged | Inflatable life jacket provided more

[m0Ray]

1995-02-06 04:00:00 PDT San Diego -- Trying to steer through heavy fog, the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln lumbered into sailing's most prestigious race.

[sixtoxxy88]

Organizers postponed further competition to let the 94,000-ton, nuclear-powered ship pass. more

[sleasalo]

"They've got instruments on there that can see a body in the water and I don't know why they didn't see us," he said.

[iLoveMjesica]

Without exaggerating, America is the world’s most famous racing yacht. It is also one of the most beautiful yachts in the world. The reason is simple: The original America put yachting on the map. It is why the most famous trophy in sailing is called The America’s Cup. In 1851, a boat named ‘AMERICA’ won the ‘Royal Yacht Squadrons’ 100 Guinea Cup given to the winner of a race around the Isle of Wight. It is said that the margin was so great that watching America sail past the royal yacht, Queen Victoria famously asked “Who came second?” “Your majesty… there is no second,” was the reply. The winners, members of the New York Yacht Club, donated the trophy to the Club, to be held as a ‘challenge’ trophy. Thus was born the America’s Cup, named after the boat not the country. here

[Stobrawa]

A replica of the 139-foot yacht that won the historic Royal Yacht Squadron’s 100 Guinea Cup race in 1851.

[awwright]

There aren’t many yachting stories as exciting as the 95-year history of ‘AMERICA.’ The Low Black Schooner from New York that won the most famous race of them all. Designed by a young genius who combined the best of Old World theory and New World practicality, and owned by a syndicate of powerful men out to prove American maritime prowess, she did what almost everybody thought was impossible. [links]

[Sjalq]

The History

[zzz]

Her later career was equally as colorful – conveyor of secret agents, Confederate blockade runner, Union warship, Naval Academy training vessel, and the pride and joy of a famous Civil War general and politician. By her end in 1945, she was one of the most honored vessels in the United States. The original was destroyed during World War II but ours is a near-perfect replica built in 1995 at a cost of more than $6 million.