The Trust That Owns The America's Cup

With four weeks of exhilarating sailing behind us featuring collisions, a capsizing and even men over board, all eyes are on Bermuda as we near the conclusion of the 35th America's Cup.

As the oldest international sporting trophy in the world, it is timely to reflect on what the Cup, affectionately called the "Auld Mug", is and how it is governed.

The Cup, an ornate sterling silver bottomless ewer, was originally awarded on 22 August 1851 by the Royal Yacht Squadron for a race around the Isle of Wight in England. That race was won by the U.S. schooner "America" and the trophy was promptly renamed "America's Cup". On 8 July 1857 George L. Schuyler, as sole surviving owner of the Cup, donated it under a Deed of Gift to the New York Yacht Club to hold on trust 'upon the condition that it shall be preserved as a perpetual challenge Cup for friendly competition between foreign countries'.