On this day…

16 May in 1881

the Bay of Quinte Yacht Club challenged the New York Yacht Club. It was a small club adjacent to Lake Ontario, Canada and was the second challenge from Canada in succession and the least successful. It was represented by Atalanta which still holds the record for the worst defeat having been beaten by 38 minutes 54 seconds in the second and final race by the Defender Mischief. It also holds the record for the worst average losing time of any challenger. Such was the extent of the loss the New York Yacht Club changed the Deed of Gift of the America’s Cup to prevent another challenge from the Canadian Lakes.

© Hamish Ross 2006