Sailing Aboard the America
Visit the 19th Century on a Replica of the First America’s Cup Yacht
Sep 4, 2009
On the embarcadero in San Diego Bay, the yacht America is berthed near the Star of India, the HMS Rose (renamed the HMS Surprise for the film Master and Commander starring Russell Crowe, 2003), and a number of other restored vessels in the Maritime Museum of San Diego. What many visitors do not realize is this vessel, a replica of the original launched May 3, 1851, is the namesake of the famous America’s Cup race.
A Brief History of American Speed at Sea
During the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, the young United States Navy knew it could not match the British Royal Navy’s fleet and manpower. To be effective, shipbuilders and commanders realized that small, quick vessels manned by crack crews had to be constructed to maneuver around the British and French vessels. After the War of 1812 the seas were safer for trans-Atlantic crossings for both cargo and passengers. The tradition of small and fast ships resulted in the construction of the Baltimore clippers and fast packets that could make the crossing from New York to England in 34 days and return in about 20 days, due to the westerly tail winds described by Wilbur. By 1851, American shipbuilders had become quite adept at the art of building ships for speed.
One Hundred Guinea Cup
Perhaps the longest winning streak in sports history ended in 1983 when Australia II took the Cup from the Dennis Conner sailing the Cup’s defending vessel, the Liberty. Less well-known is how the America’s Cup came to America. In 1851, the New York Yacht Club accepted a challenge from the Royal Yacht Squadron. The New York Yacht Club commissioned a vessel and named her the America. The speed of the clippers and packets allowed them to cross from New York to England in about 34 days. The America was faster. After crossing the Atlantic in less than 21 days to compete in the British event known as the One Hundred Guinea Cup, America was a sensation everywhere. On approach to the British Isles, other sailors noted her speed, and thus, no challengers would race America for some time until a race for all comers to sail around the Isle of Wight was announced. America promptly took the lead and won the race. Levitt quoted Queen Victoria, who is believed to have commented on America’s speed when she asked, "Which is first?" The reply was that the yacht in first place was the America. "Which is second? The queen asked."The discouraging reply was, "Ah, Your Majesty, there is no second."
The America’s Cup
The crew of America in 1851 consisted of 14 sailors (see 32nd America’s Cup). America did not immediately return to the United States and was instead sold to Lord John de Blaquière of England. However, the cup won by the crew of America did return to the New York Yacht Club and became the America’s Cup named after the yacht who won it. She did return to the United States in late 1861 and served in the Confederate Navy during the Civil War until she was taken and refitted for service in the Federal Navy in 1862. Eventually, America was destroyed when a shed collapsed over her in 1945.
A Replica of America for 21st Century Sail Enthusiasts
In 1995, a replica of America was built for more than six million dollars. The Dennis Conner's America's Cup Experience, formerly Next Level Sailing, bought America in 2006. The yacht is available for private charter, but most visitors to San Diego will be interested in the short two-and-a-half hour cruises on the company website. On the cruise, guests may assist the crew with raising sails or taking the helm as the yacht sails around Point Loma or along the North Island Naval Station. For those interested in the America’s Cup or the history of sailing, few experiences can match sailing on America in San Diego.
Reference
Levitt, M. About the New York Yacht Club, 1844-, New York Yacht Club Website, 2008.
Wilbur, C. K. Tall Ships of the World: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, Chester, CT: The Globe Pequot Press, 1986.
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