On August 22, 1851, the U.S.-built schooner America beat a fleet of Britain's fin
est 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.
From 1870 until the late 20th century, New York Yacht Club-sponsored U.S. yachts successfully defended the America's Cup 24 times in races generally spaced a few years apart. Since the 1920s, the America's Cup race has been between one defending vessel and one challenging vessel, both of which are determined by separate elimination trials. In 1983, the United States lost the trophy for the first time in 132 years when Australia II defeated Liberty off Newport, Rhode Island.
I was surprised to learn that the first African participant in the America's C
up was a yacht from South Africa called Shosholoza, which is the Zulu word meaning "to move forward". You can learn much more from the official website of Team Shosholoza.There are some remarkable crew members on Team Shosholoza including Marcello Burricks (South Africa), Solomon Dipeere (South Africa), Moctar Falls (Senegal), Joe Heywood (Zimbabwe), Golden Mgedeza (South Africa) and Ashton Sampson (South Africa).
Villagers, I must tell you a secret ... I've never been on a yacht before. Have you?
I've had the privilege of being on a retired America's Cup Yacht for a "touristy" excursion and it was total fun!
ReplyDeleteI learned that sailing one of those 12 meter yachts is hard work, but is so much fun when it just effortlessly glides on the water and you can kick back and enjoy it.
Thanks for letting me relive my St. Maarten excursion on this dreary, cool rainy day!
:-D)
Lois - Glad to be of service! Oddly enough I mistakenly went to a Morgen meme post from Jan 2007 when the word was CRUISE. I wrote my meme to fit the word CRUISE. I got lucky that the correct word was SHIP and my meme post would still work just by changing CRUISE to SHIP in the title and the first sentence. Of course, now the URL for this meme is permanently connected to CRUISE ... ah well ... thanx for your visit!
ReplyDeleteThe web site and song for Shosholoza was fantastic. Thanks Villager! Thanks for stopping by my post, too.:)
ReplyDeleteFunny about CRUISE and SHIP and how it worked out...
That is fascinating. I've always enjoyed the America's cup but never heard of the Shosholoza. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI've never been on a yacht either. Have you ever seen the movie Wind? It makes the whole yacht race thing really exciting.
ReplyDeleteHappy MM!
Ian
Another wonderful history lesson. I didn't know this either. Have a great MM. :)
ReplyDeleteI've never been on a yacht either. Great MM post!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting happy MM. mine is here http://happymomiam1.bravejournal.com/entry/25227
ReplyDeleteShips AHOY on my blog!!!!!!!!!! Everything looks SHIP SHAPE here.
ReplyDeleteLOL
Great MM post! I've never been into America's Cup. Living in Kansas, it's not a huge passion around here. :-) Not suprisingly, I've never been on a yacht either. I need to put that on my "Things To Do" list!
ReplyDeleteYour MM posts are always so informative and this one is no different! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat job. Have a great MM.
The records for pre Civil War are difficult, but black heritage is a fast
ReplyDeletegrowing and getting to be well researched branch of genealogy. I was able to
help one woman get back to one couple, their location, and owner prior to
freedom
Ian - Yes, I've watched the movie Wind a couple of times. I liked it each time. I can't recall the name of the actress in it ... but, I enjoyed watching her very much as well (smile).
ReplyDeleteJamie - Thank you. I haven't done any research over the past few years. Perhaps I will give it another go...
I've never been into yachting that much, but I really enjoyed your post. Happy MM!
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I am not interested in ships at all, lol ! except a cruise ship ! I have been on a yacht, but besides the fact that it looked beautiful inside, it is not big enough for me to travel !
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! I love water and have always wanted to ride on a yacht. In fact, it's been a long time since I've ridden on a boat of ANY kind.
ReplyDeleteI miss that!
While growing up I was surrounded by people that loved watching or attending the America's Cup competition, but I never seemed to really catch the fever.
ReplyDeleteGreat post though, the history of it just may make me pay a bit more attention.
Great post Villager...thanks for stopping by and reminding me of you! I've never been on a yacht but I would love to!
ReplyDeleteNo, I have not! As a matter of fact, I just sailed for the first time last spring in Key West. On a beautiful 3 mast boat to watch the sunset. Happy MM!
ReplyDeleteI've never been on a yacht either... we're kinda landlocked here.
ReplyDeleteMy second date with my Lady was at her friend's engagement party on a private yacht. We sailed for several hours around Lake Washington. It was pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteHappy MM!
All - Thank you for sharing your village voice this week on Manic Monday: Ship! I invite you to visit other posts here in our village if you have time or inclination.
ReplyDeletepeace, Villager