‘America’ Replica Begins Tour, To Visit Bermuda
A replica of America, the namesake yacht of the America’s Cup, is getting set to tour the east coast next year, including a stop in Bermuda during the event itself.
The tour is being undertaken by Troy Sears of Next Level Sailing, who is currently touring the west coast, including stops in yacht clubs in California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.
The event’s first race was organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron in 1851 and the prize was a silver Cup that was valued at 100 pounds sterling. The race was won by a syndicate from the New York Yacht Club.
The trophy was renamed the America’s Cup after the winning yacht and was donated to the New York Yacht Club under the terms of the Deed of Gift, which made the Cup available for perpetual international competition.
Photo courtesy of NextLevelSailing.com:
An article in the Washington Post says, “Sears said he’s wanted to do the tour since 2010, when Oracle Team USA won the oldest trophy in international sports. After successfully defending the trophy on San Francisco Bay with a stirring comeback against Emirates Team New Zealand in 2013, Oracle decided to stage the next defense in Bermuda.
“Sears said no topic is off-limits during presentations to yacht clubs, including why Bermuda was chosen over San Diego to host the racing in 2017. He’ll tour the East Coast next year and will have his schooner in Bermuda during the America’s Cup.”
The Next Level Sailing website says, “In 2003, long-time San Diego Yacht Club member, Troy Sears and his business partners purchased two International America’s Cup Class [IACC] racing yachts from legendary America’s Cup Skipper, Dennis Conner.
“In 2006, Next Level Sailing acquired the historic, 139-foot yacht America, and added her to the fleet.”
Wow! and it’s just beginning. This is going to be an exciting regatta:-) Needless to mention quite a spectacle with sooooo many fantastic vessels from sooooo many different “Ports”!
Oh Boy, sailing photo journelists are goin to go crazy!
Didn’t know a replica of the America existed. J boats coming here too. Oh Yeah, there happens to be AC35 being held here too.
Even if you are not a sailor, I am not, it will be a feast for the eyes.
The Spirit could take her in a drag race.
Some photo op sailing together would be great.
How exciting. We are very lucky. A drag race with Spirit would get many people out!