On This Day In 1851

The oldest active trophy in international sport was renamed after the first boat to win it, the America. Representing the New York Yacht Club, the schooner’s win at Cowes was witnessed by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Here, John and Jackie Kennedy witness the New York Yacht Club’s win in 1962. In 1983, Louis Vuitton became the sponsor of the preliminary Challenger Series. Since the inception of the Louis Vuitton Cup four out of the six winners have subsequently won the America’s Cup itself. The next Americas Cup, the 33rd, will be take place in February 2010.