Watch the Video

May 20: A New Perspective on the First Defense of the America’s Cup
Steve Tsuchiya, Yachting Historian, Author, Chairman Selection Committee AC Hall of Fame

Steven will share the fascinating story of the first defense of the America’s Cup. On August 8, 1870, the New York Yacht Club defended the Cup on its home waters with a fleet of 17 schooners—the fastest of which was the yacht Magic—against the Challenger’s lone yacht, Cambria, over a course of 38 miles. Our speaker will address the origin of that challenge and what led to one of the most lopsided contests in sporting history. Tsuchiya researched the race and its participants using primary source material, including manuscripts in the archives of the New York Yacht Club and nautical charts of the 1870s. Steve has uncovered many new facts about the race, one of which you will find to be especially extraordinary.