The America’s Cup, affectionately known as the ‘Auld Mug’, is the oldest active trophy in international sport.
The cup is named after the schooner America, which won a race around the Isle of Wight in 1851 against 14 of the best boats in Britain – including the cream of the elite Royal Yacht Squadron.
In 1857 the owners of America donated the cup to the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) through a deed of gift. The cup would be held in trust as a ‘challenge trophy’ for ‘friendly competition between foreign countries’. The deed of gift outlined the rules to be followed in making a challenge and conducting the races. The deed of gift is a registered trust document held by the New York Supreme Court, to which all disputes and issues requiring clarification must be taken.
The NYYC held the cup until 1983, when the Royal Perth Yacht Club, represented by the yacht Australia II, pulled off a shock victory, ending the longest winning streak in the history of sport.
