Who currently holds the America’s Cup? List of challengers and defenders since 1851

One hundred and seventy-three years ago, on the Isle of Wight, a race began that would become a legend in the sailing world—a race that continues to be discussed today. The competition was for a silver trophy that captured the imaginations and fortunes of some of the wealthiest people in the world, sparking bitter rivalries, intense controversies, and costly legal battles.

What’s more remarkable is that the boat that would become the center of attention by winning the race, the yacht America, started the race facing the wrong way.

The first America’s Cup winner and some of the famous losers?

The Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes is one of the most prestigious yacht clubs in the world because this is where the America’s Cup began. Despite the poor start, America surprised its British hosts by winning the race, and the trophy soon made its way to New York. However, after the victory, the owners and crew were uncertain about what to do with their prize—until someone had an idea. This idea would transform the trophy into the most prestigious sailing award, and it has since become the oldest international sporting trophy in the world.

The trophy was renamed the America’s Cup after the yacht that won the first race, though it is informally known as the Auld Mug

Interesting trivia about the winning boat of the first event was a 100-foot schooner, and after winning the cup, the vessel was sold for a sum of $25,000, $5000 more than it was paid for.

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For some, the America’s Cup has grown into an obsession. The quest for this trophy has led some of the wealthiest people to pour vast sums of money into their campaigns, only to come up short. Yet, despite the immense costs, many have returned to challenge for the Cup again and again. The New York Yacht Club, in particular, holds the record for the longest winning streak in history, fueled by these relentless East Coast competitors.

One such competitor was Thomas Lipton, who, despite five unsuccessful challenges with his Shamrock yachts, used the publicity to build his tea empire. His repeated failures earned him the respect and affection of the public, even as they cost him a fortune to defend his campaigns. In contrast, others, like Lord Dunraven, were entangled in bitter disputes, illustrating the passion and intensity that have always surrounded the America’s Cup.

The early days of the America’s Cup are as captivating as today’s high-tech, carbon-fiber racing machines.

The last winner of the 100 Guineas trophy and list of all winners?

The America’s Cup is the oldest international sailing competition. Races are held between a defending and challenging yacht club, with the winner awarded the America’s Cup trophy, known as the Auld Mug.

Any yacht club meeting the specified requirements can challenge the current holder. If successful, the challenging club gains stewardship of the Cup. In 1970, a Challenger Selection Series was held to decide the official challenger.

Team New Zealand syndicate

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron club is the current holder of the America’s Cup. They successfully defended the 36th America’s Cup in March 2021 using an AC75 foiling monohull called Te Rehutai, owned and sailed by the Team New Zealand syndicate and heavily sponsored by Emirates airline company.

The next America’s Cup will be held between the defending Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and a challenging yacht club from 12 October 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.

List of all winners

From 1851 to 1983, the USA won the America’s Cup, holding onto the title for 132 years until Australia and the Royal Perth Yacht Club won in 1983. The New York Yacht Club had successfully defended the Cup 25 times in a row, making it the longest defense of a title in sports history.

Additionally, the America’s Cup race winner has the right to decide the rules for the next contest, including the types of boats to be used, the location of the race course, and when the race will take place.