The Story of America's Cup, 1851-2003

Rating:
Summary: History of the America's Cup
Review: This book tells the history of the America's Cup sailing race. The beautiful paintings by Tim Thompson capture a key moment for each race. And each race is described in detail by Ranulf Raynor, including boat specifics -- length, beam, sail area, designer, owner, and skipper. There is even a section describing the race courses and locations.

The races painted and described include every America's Cup race from 1851 - 2000, listed below.
1851 America defeats the British Fleet
1870 Magic defeats Cambria
1871 Columbia and Sappho defeat Livonia
1876 Madeleine defeats Countess of Dufferin
1881 Mischief defeats Atalanta
1885 Puritan defeats Genesta
1886 Mayflower defeats Galatea
1887 Volunteer defeats Thistle
1893 Vigilant defeats Valkyrie II
1895 Defender defeats Valkyrie III
1899 Columbia defeats Shamrock
1901 Columbia defeats Shamrock II
1903 Reliance defeats Shamrock III
1920 Resolute defeats Shamrock IV
1930 Enterprise defeats Shamrock V
1934 Rainbow defeats Endeavor
1937 Ranger defeats Endeavor II
1958 Columbia defeats Sceptre
1962 Weatherly defeats Gretel
1964 Constellation defeats Sovereign
1967 Intrepid defeats Dame Pattie
1970 Intrepid defeats Gretel II
1974 Courageous defeats Southern Cross
1977 Courageous defeats Australia
1980 Freedom defeats Australia
1983 Australia II defeats Liberty
1987 Stars & Stripes defeats Kookaburra III
1988 Stars & Stripes defeats New Zealand
1992 America defeats Il Moro Di Venezia
1995 Black Magic defeats Young America
2000 Black Magic defeats Luna Rossa

I loved the character sketches of some of the most well-known contenders and participants, from old boat designer Captain Nat Hereshoff himself, to English Sir Thomas Lipton who was one of the most determined challengers with his Shamrock boats and well-loved by even the American competitors.

For anyone who loves sailing and follow the history of the America's Cup, this book is for you.