America's Cup: Wings, water, and drama in San Francisco

In 1851 a radical-looking schooner named “America” won a prestigious race off the coast of England. The race represented the shift of maritime power from the “old world” to the “new world,” and the America’s race was born.

Now some 163 year later radical-looking boats are still competing for this great trophy and honor between nations. The boats racing today have revolutionized sailing in countless ways, they travel faster than the wind and have wings for sails.

Great Britain is the most successful nation in Olympic sailing history, with more gold medals won than any other nation. Team GB’s sailors have topped the medal table at the last three Olympic Games. In general, the Olympics are the breeding ground for sailors with the technique and fitness to handle these new catamarans. So it was a sad day when one of these Olympic Sailors, Andrew Simpson, died a few weeks ago when the boat he was training on broke apart.

The America’s is pushing the limits in speed and design and also has a new Red Bull Youth Series.

Listen to the Dan Egan’s recent interview with Sailing World senior editor Stuart Steuli about the race, the recent tragedy and the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup.

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