For over one hundred and fifty years, the America's Cup has been the
premier prize as yachtsmen have been pitted against sailors from around
the world in an effort to win this prestigious race. The race takes its
name from the champion schooner America, which was created due in large
part to the efforts of New York Yacht Club founder John Cox Stevens.
Author Richard V. Simpson sheds new light on long-forgotten stories of
the early quests for the coveted Cup. Among the notable yachtsmen
profiled are Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton, who earned a special award for
being the race's best loser, and Ted Hood, who owned a sail-making
company that developed the Dacron cloth from which the twelve-meter
sails were cut. This history comes to life with exciting descriptions of
the yachts, the races and the colorful personalities of those who longed
to capture the greatest prize in yacht racing.