Americas Cup Yachts Models

On August 22, 1851, the schooner America won what is now known as the America’s Cup, a yachting competition. Pre-dating the modern Olympics by 45 years, this racing tradition continues to the present day. Enthusiasts for the competition have also become interested in America’s Cup yachts models. Typically, these models feature only the winners, although famous challengers have also been replicated.

For the most complete set of America’s Cup yachts models it is necessary to travel to the South of Spain, where Olivier de Kersausan has a complete set of every defender or challenger for the cup dating back to 1851. It is truly an impressive collection, showcasing the nuances of the changes in the competitive yachts since that time. Each model is more than two meters high, allowing for an exceptional level of detail.

Putting together a complete set of America’s Cup yachts models is not necessary if you have an interest in the yachts. You can commission a model of just your personal favorites, in any size you like, by reaching out to the team of craftsmen at Maritime Replicas. They offer premium quality model ships that can be designed to meet your specific needs while still capturing the details and soul of the ship.

There are a number of notable ships from the history of the Cup challenge that would make excellent collection pieces. Any America’s Cup yachts models collection would not be complete without a model of the Shamrock V, used by Sir Thomas Lipton in the last of his challenges for the Cup on behalf of Scotland and the Lipton Tea Company. The ship is notable both for its large size and also because the vessel is still sailing today. At 120 feet in length it was one of the biggest ships to compete for the Cup in the 1920s.

Another ship you may want to consider adding to your America’s Cup yachts models collection would be the Australia II, the first ship to beat the New York Yacht Club in 132 years of competition. This ship featured a unique winged keel design. The winged keel design is credited with helping the ship recover from a bad start to win the race. Currently the ship is not being sailed but is rather on permanent display in Australia.

A final ship to consider for inclusion in your collection would be the controversial Plastic Fantastic. This ship was designed with a fiberglass hull, making it unique among America’s Cup yachts models to date. The legality of the hull design was challenged repeatedly. There were also allegations that the hull was of uneven thickness, illegally lightening the ship and making it faster. These accusations were later discredited with core samples from hull, and all parties apologized. The controversy does add to the collectable value of the ship, however.

All in all, whether you opt for a complete America’s Cup yachts models collection or just collect a few personally significant boats, there are many ships to choose from as models. You can select controversial pieces or opt for winners only. Either way, ships from this notable competition make excellent collectors items.