America (yacht)

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The America was a 19th century racing yacht which gave its name to the international sailing trophy it first won -- the America's 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 over 20 minutes the Royal Yacht Squadron's 53 mile regatta around the Isle of Wight, capturing the "One Hundred Sovereign Cup." Watching the race, Queen Victoria asked who was second, and received the famous reply: "There is no second, your Majesty."

Contents 1 Designer 2 Captain 3 Specifications 3.1 General characteristics 4 External links

[edit] Designer

The America was designed by George Steers, a revolutionary designer who began the practice of giving ships a knife-like bow widening aft, as opposed to the previous practice of giving ships a rather blunt bow and a sharp stern. His ships repeatedly set records and won races as a result.

[edit] Captain

America was captained by Richard Brown, a skilled member of the Sandy Hook Pilots, a group of harbor pilots renowned worldwide for their skill in maneuvering the shoals around New York City. They were all extremely skilled racers as a result of impromptu races between pilots to ships in need of a pilot. Brown had sailed aboard a pilot boat designed by George Steers. He was also a personal friend of Steers. He chose as first mate Nelson Comstock, a newcomer to yacht racing.

[edit] Specifications

[edit] General characteristics

• Crew:
• Length (overall): 101 ft 3 in (30.85 m)
• Length (waterline): 89 ft 10 in (27.39 m)
• Beam: 22 ft 10 in (6.95 m)
• Draft: 10 ft 11 in (3.33 m)
• Sail area (upwind): 5296 sq ft ( 492 m²)
• Sail area (downwind): sq ft ( m²)
• Mast height:
• Displacement: 170 tons
• Hull material: Wood (white oak, locust, cedar, chestnut)
• Rating: None

[edit] External links

• The yacht America's history
• Images of the America (descriptions mostly in German)