Brief history of the America's Cup ®
     
The America's Cup ® challenge has been the premier yachting event in the world since its first sailing around the Isle of Wight back in 1851.
Prince Albert encouraged the finest yachts in the world to come to Cowes. He and Queen Victoria, then residing at Osborne House on the Island were great supporters of the Royal Yacht Squadron Round the Island Race. The first race was won by the yacht America and the cup was renamed the America's Cup ® challenge in her honour. The yachts that participate are generally known as some of the fastest, sleekest most beautiful yachts ever built. Sailors the world over dream about competing on these yachts. The America's Cup ® challenge is so exciting that it commands prime time television coverage all over the world whenever the event is held.
 
The 31st America's Cup ® 2003

The 2003 America’s Cup competition saw the first serious British attempt since 1987. GBR Challenge participated in and reached the quarter finals of the Louis Vuitton series which determines who will compete against the Cup holders in the Cup Challenge. The team is currently mounting its challenge for the 2007 competition.

Further Information
For more information on the America's Cup ® races, visit the Louis Vuitton Cup website and the America's Cup site.