Model of the Famous Yacht America, Winner of the 53 First America’s Cup - Late 19th Century / Early 20th Century

A Model of the Famous Yacht America, Winner of the 53 First America’s Cup. Late 19th/Early 20th Century This model represents one of the most famous yachts ever built, the America, after whom the America’s Cup is named. The model retains its original sails and spars, and is mounted with brass hardware. The deck is made of boxwood and the body of the vessel is ebonised. The model is presented on its original mahogany presentation stand, with brass engraved plaque recording the name of the vessel. The America was a pioneering racing yacht first launched in 1851. She became one of the most celebrated vessels in maritime history with a legacy that lasts to the present day. Designed by George Steers and owned by a syndicate led by John Cox Stevens, the schooner combined innovative hull design with exceptional speed, allowing her to easily outperform many of the finest British yachts of its day. In August 1851, America won a race around the Isle of Wight, defeating a fleet of British competitors and claiming the Royal Yacht Squadron’s prestigious “Hundred Guinea Cup.” Queen Victoria is said to have been amazed by the margin of victory, famously receiving the reply ‘Madam, there is no second’ when she enquired as to who had finished in America’s wake. Returning home triumphant, the trophy won by America and her crew was later donated to the New York Yacht Club and became known as the America’s Cup, establishing the world’s oldest international sporting competition still contested today. Over the following decades, America changed hands several times, even serving the Union side during the American Civil War, before eventually falling into disrepair.