Definition
The 1920 America's Cup was the twelfth edition of the international sailing competition for the America's Cup trophy, contested between the defending New York Yacht Club and a challenger from the Royal Ulster Yacht Club.
Overview
The 1920 regatta marked the first Cup competition held after a six‑year interruption caused by World War I; the previous contest had taken place in 1914. Races were conducted in New York Harbor from 6 August to 8 August 1920. The defender, Resolute, a United States yacht designed under the Universal Rule, faced the challenger Shamrock IV, representing the United Kingdom. The series was run as a best‑of‑five match, and Resolute secured a clean sweep, winning three races to none and retaining the Cup for the United States. The event drew considerable public interest and was noted for the introduction of several technical innovations in yacht design and sail handling.
Etymology/Origin
The term “America’s Cup” derives from the original trophy, the “R.Y.S. Cup,” awarded to the schooner America after its victory in the 1851 Royal Yacht Squadron regatta around the Isle of Wight. The name persisted as the competition evolved into a challenge‑based match racing event. The year designation “1920” simply indicates the calendar year in which this particular edition took place.
Characteristics
- Defending Club: New York Yacht Club (USA)
- Challenging Club: Royal Ulster Yacht Club (United Kingdom)
- Defending Yacht: Resolute (designer: Nathanael Greene Herreshoff; length overall ≈ 33 m; rating under the Universal Rule)
- Challenging Yacht: Shamrock IV (designer: William Fife & Sons; length overall ≈ 31 m; also rated under the Universal Rule)
- Race Format: Best‑of‑five match races, each course set in New York Harbor with windward‑leeward legs.
- Outcome: Resolute won 3‑0, retaining the America’s Cup for the United States.
- Historical Context: The 1920 Cup resumed international yachting competition after the wartime hiatus, reflecting post‑war technological advances and renewed transatlantic sporting relations.
Related Topics
- America’s Cup (overall history and evolution)
- Resolute (1909‑1915 United States defender)
- Shamrock IV (1914‑1915 United Kingdom challenger)
- New York Yacht Club
- Universal Rule (rating system governing yacht eligibility)
- Post‑World War I maritime sport revival
- International Yacht Racing Union (predecessor of World Sailing)