America’s Cup - Yachts, Prada, and the Most Competitive Members only Clubs in the US!
(The defenders, Emirates Team New Zealand and the challengers, Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, pictured in the 2021 America’s Cup in Auckland, New Zealand)
(The America’s Cup - It is over 3.5 ft tall and weighs over 30 pounds)
America’s Cup, also known as the Auld Mug is the oldest international sporting trophy and it is awarded to the winning sailing yacht team annually, and the race has just been won by Emirates Team New Zealand! The America’s Cup was established in 1851 after a race between two sailing yachts around the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom was won by the schooner America. The winning yacht was donated to the New York Yacht Club and under the Deed of Gift, the cup became a perpetual competition internationally. The cup remains the oldest international sporting trophy, and the race for the trophy just came to a conclusion in Auckland, New Zealand, between two teams, the defenders, Emirates Team New Zealand and the challengers, Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. The race commenced on March 10th and was won by the Emirates Team New Zealand on March 17th, 2021.
As for one of our favorite brands, Prada, and their involvement in the sport, it goes way farther than a sponsored post and a strategic brand placement. The Italian brand is actually a foundational member of the Italian sailboat racing syndicate first created to compete for the 2000 America's Cup. Officially named Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, the sailing team is an active participant in global races around the world. The Prada fashion brand has even crossed their sailing influence over into their fashion line by naming one of their best selling sneakers the “America’s Cup.” The Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli was the challenger in the 2021 America’s Cup.
( 2021 America’s Cup - Chris Cameron/Photosport, via Associated Press)
With a long-standing history, the New York Yacht Club defended their title for 24 years straight until they were defeated in 1983 by the Royal Perth Yacht Club in 1983. Their winning streak is the longest reign held in terms of date in all of the history of sports. So, if you are interested in getting your sea legs, we have listed below the top 5 sailing yacht clubs in North America, although you might need an invitation from a current member so begin scrolling through your LinkedIn now and start to save up for a favor.
New York Yacht Club
New York Yacht Club was founded in 1844 and is the most well respected and celebrated yacht club in America, if not the world. It has won the America’s Cup 25 times in total and the rivalry between NYYC and Britain’s Royal Yacht Squadron is one of the greatest in the sport and in the history of sports. With a permanent NYC address on West 44th between 5th and 6th avenues, the second member’s only clubhouse in Newport, R.I. serves as the more traditional waterfront property for their enthusiastic sailors. It has remained very exclusive and membership is granted by invite only.
New York Yacht Club
San Diego Yacht Club
San Diego Yacht Club was established in 1886 and is across the world considered one of the best yachting clubs in the world. Its team has won the America’s Cup twice! They are also well respected for their youth sailing programs.
Southern Yacht Club
Southern Yacht Club is located in New Orleans, Louisiana, and was established in 1849. This fabulous yacht club is more than beautiful people and beautiful boats, it also hosts one of the oldest yacht sailing regattas in the Western hemisphere, the Race to the Coast. Their members have won 4 Summer Olympic gold medals for the United States and counting.
Chicago Yacht Club
Chicago Yacht Club was established in 1875 and is one of the very few clubs that sail freshwater and they annually host the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, that attracts more than 3,000 sailors from different corners of the world.
Annapolis Yacht Club
Annapolis Yacht Club was founded in 1886 and in 2015 had a devastating fire that nearly destroyed the club but as a club does, they stick together and rebuild and that is just what their strong members did in the face of adversity. Even with an awful set back, the club organizes one of the most iconic races in America’s yachting history, the Annapolis to Newport race.