First America's Cup Winner - 1851 'America' - Model Hull Table

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First America's Cup Winner - 1851 'America' - Model Hull Table

About the Item

On August 22, 1851, the U.S.-built schooner "America" bested a fleet of Britain's finest ships in a race around England's Isle of Wight. The ornate silver trophy won by the "America" was later donated to the New York Yacht Club on condition that it be forever placed in international competition. Today, the "America's Cup" is the world's oldest continually contested sporting trophy and represents the pinnacle of international sailing yacht competition. The America's Cup race, held about every four years, is between one defending vessel and one challenging vessel; each must be designed and built in the country it represents. This extraordinary one-of-a-kind table was created to preserve and display the skeleton it cradles, a vintage model hull of the 1851 schooner yacht "America", which itself is a found object dating, at least, from the first half of the 20th century. The table has been designed so that all the weight of the glass is supported by the four mahogany legs and transom without any weight or pressure on the hull. The legs and cradle have been finished to match the original finish of the model so together they present as a unified whole. All hardware, including the rudder, was machined from solid brass. THE LEGS CAN BE SHORTENED BY REQUEST. They were made high intentionally to allow for plenty of options. NOTE the self-leveling solid brass feet on the legs. The custom cut glass is 1/2" thick and tempered for safety. The transom has been hand painted with the American eagle in 23 karat gold leaf. Some historical notes: A syndicate of New York Yacht Club members, headed by NYYC charter member Commodore John Cox Stevens, with members Edward A. Stevens, George Schuyler, Hamilton Wilkes, and J. Beekman Finley, would build a yacht to sail to England. The purpose of this visit was twofold: to show off U.S. shipbuilding skill and make money through competing in yachting regattas. Stevens employed the services of the shipyard of William Brown and his chief designer, George Steers. America was designed by James Rich Steers and George Steers (1820–1856). Traditional "cod-head-and-mackerel-tail" design gave boats a blunt bow and a sharp stern with the widest point (the beam) placed one-third of the length aft of the bow. George Steers' pilot boat designs, however, had a concave clipper-bow with the beam of the vessel at midships. As a result, his schooner-rigged pilot boats were among the fastest and most seaworthy of their day. They had to be seaworthy, for they had to meet inbound and outbound vessels in any kind of weather. These vessels also had to be fast, for harbor pilots competed with each other for business. In addition to pilot boats, Steers designed and built 17 yachts, some which were favourites with the New York Yacht Club. America was captained by Richard Brown who was also a skilled member of the Sandy Hook Pilots group renowned worldwide for their expertise in manoeuvering the shoals around New York City harbor. They were all extremely skilled racers as a result of impromptu races between pilots to ships in need of pilot services. Brown had sailed aboard a pilot boat designed by George Steers, of whom he was a personal friend. He chose as first mate Nelson Comstock, a newcomer to yacht racing.

Dimensions:
Height: 20 in (50.8 cm)Width: 90 in (228.6 cm)Depth: 31 in (78.74 cm)
Style:
Sporting Art (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Glass,Mahogany
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
First half of 20th Century skeleton; contemporary craft cradle
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Hanover, MA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU8866842691