America's Cup History

The America's Cup, the oldest international sporting competition, began in 1851 when a yacht named America won a race around the Isle of Wight. Unique rules allow the defending champion to set the competition's terms, leading to innovations like the AC 72 catamarans, which utilize wingsails and hydrofoils to achieve speeds exceeding the wind. The 2013 competition showcased these advancements, with Emirates Team New Zealand emerging as the official challenger.