Stars & Stripes USA 11

Set Sail on The America’s Cup- Stars & Stripes Sail USA 11

The America’s Cup is the most famous and the most prestigious sailing regatta. It is also the oldest active trophy in international sport, predating the Modern Olympics by 45 years, and is considered the “Holy Grail” of yachting.

The cup was originally known as the Royal Yacht Squadron cup and it, along with a sum of 100 Sovereigns was the prize for the 1851 Annual Regatta around the Isle of Wight. Though she started last, the schooner America won the race against 15 British yachts by 20 minutes. When America emerged alone from a fog near the finish, Queen Victoria asked who was second; the famous answer: “There is no second, your Majesty.”

In 1857 the American syndicate donated the cup to the New York Yacht Club to be held in trust as a challenge trophy to “promote friendly competition among nations.” Despite a succession of British (and other) attempts to win back the cup, the New York Yacht Club prevailed in 25 challenges over 113 years, the longest winning streak in the history of sport. Finally, in 1983, Australian businessman Alan Bond beat Dennis Conner and the cup left the United States for the first time in 132 years. But Dennis Conner refused to quit and in 1987 he challenged Australia for the San Diego Yacht club and became the first and only skipper to win, lose and win back the America’s Cup.

No longer do you have to be a billionaire or an elite, professional sailor to experience the thrill of sailing on an authentic America’s Cup Class racing yacht! Take the helm of Stars & Stripes, USA-11, and live the dream for yourself. Feel the power of 4000 square feet of Carbon Fiber sails on one of the fastest mono-hull sailboats in the world. You’ll be amazed at how responsive this all carbon-fiber racing machine can be.  No sailing experience is necessary to be a part of this unique and exciting adventure.

Once you leave the dock, you’ll go into high gear because there is a lot to do! Stars & Stripes, USA-11 raced to be the defender in the 1992 America’s Cup with a crew of 16. There are only 5 regular crewmembers, so your help and participation is welcome!  You can help raise the sails, take the helm and steer the boat, assist with navigation and tactics, tack and jibe, grind the winches to trim the sails, and most importantly, enjoy the ride! Of course, if you’d like, you can just sit back and enjoy the action.

Complementary soft drinks and bottled water are available during the sail and you are welcome to bring your own food, however we recommend pre-made, easy to eat meals because of the constant wind and activity aboard.

Prepare for the sail of your life with Stars & Stripes Sail USA 11! (866)250-3568 www.sailusa11.com

Related Articles:  Oceanside Harbor  |  San Diego Piers