International yacht-racing trophy named after 
the US schooner America, owned by J L 
Stevens, who won a race around the Isle of 
Wight 1851. Offered for a challenge in 1870, 
it is now contested every three or four 
years, and is a seven-race series. The USA 
have dominated the race, only twice losing 
possession, in 1983 to Australia and in 1989 
to New Zealand, then regaining it after a 
court battle. All races were held at 
Newport, Rhode Island, until 1987 when the
Perth Yacht Club, Australia, hosted the
series. Yachts are very expensive to produce
and only syndicates can afford to provide a
yacht capable of winning the trophy.