During the early part of the 19th century the British had established a reputation for ocean yacht racing. Looking to stem that tide, The New York Yacht club engaged George Steers to design the fastest ocean yacht vessel. She was delivered in May, 1851, and was beautifully proportioned. At 171 tons, she was 89 feet long at the waterline, 22 foot abeam, and possessed an 11 foot draft. She was aptly named America. After reaching England, she was invited to participate against fifteen yachts in the annual 53 mile race around the Isle of
Wight conducted by The Royal Yacht Squadron. America won her first race by 2 minutes. Next she sailed in a match race against England's fastest, the Titania,winning by nearly an hour. She was awarded a cup, which was aptly named the America's Cup.
