America - Founder of America's Cup

Includes Launching Ways
 

During the early years of the New York Yacht Club, racing for prize money was the primary objective of most members. In 1851, a syndicate of NYYC enthusiasts built and raced America, and captured the “One Hundred Sovereign Cup" at the annual regatta of the Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes, England. In 1857, the trophy was donated to the NYYC and renamed the America’s Cup. That was the beginning of the America’s Cup races as we know them today.

But America's history includes much more than just racing. During the Civil War she smuggled Confederate spies into England. Captured by the Union, she was used to chase down Confederate privateers. After the Civil War America served as a training ship. In 1873 she returned to yachting and another 50 years of private ownership. Eventually she wound up in a shed at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. She was crushed beyond repair when the roof collapsed under heavy snow in 1942.

Model Shipways America kit is an updated and improved version of the original America, developed in 1967. We’ve kept the plans drawn by English naval architect George Campbell, but included new instructions by Ben Lankford. The fittings are now lead-free Britannia metal, and many laser-cut wooden parts have been added.

The pre-carved basswood hull needs only light shaping and sanding. Fittings package is made up of perfectly scaled Britannia metal and brass pieces. Ready-to-use hardwood blocks and deadeyes, 160 yards of rigging line in 5 diameters, self-adhesive copper tape and basswood launching ways complete the kit.
 

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