History

The Americas Cup is international sport's oldest trophy, it is the oldest event of the modern age.

The history of the Americas Cup began on 22 August 1851 during the Great Exhibition of London. A regatta between the British Empire and the United States of America was staged as the 100 Guinea Cup to serve as definitive proof of the British Empire’s technological leadership.

Inaugurated by Queen Victoria the race was staged around the Isle of Wight where the schooner "America" defeated the British Squadron fleet, finishing eight miles ahead of the fleet.

The winning American crew donated the prize to the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) by means of what might be considered the foundational act of the Americas Cup, the "Deed of Gift". The 100 Guinea Cup was then renamed the Americas Cup ('Auld Mug') and was successfully defended by the United States of America for an unprecedented 25 times over 132 years, setting the longest winning streak in sporting history.

The Cup has only been won away from the United States twice, the first time in 1983 by Australia and the second time in 1995 by New Zealand. The first successful defense of the America's Cup outside of the United States was in 2000, when Team New Zealand defeated the Prada Challenge of Italy by 5-0.

On March 2nd 2003, Alinghi swept Team New Zealand 5 – 0, to win the 31st America’s Cup. With this victory, Alinghi has brought the America’s Cup to Europe for the first time in 152 years.