For over 155 years the America's Cup has been the world's most prestigious race for ocean-going yachts. This superb book tells the story of the Cup from the very beginning. It presents a unique collection of beautiful paintings depicting dramatic scenes from every match since 1851. Enlarged details of each painting reveal the artist's incredible attention to detail, and there are maps of the courses, and line illustrations of every competing yacht. The first edition of this book was published in 1987. Since then, more paintings portraying the contest between the challenger and the Cup holder, with accompanying text and illustrations, have been added to bring the story right up to date. Alinghi and Emirates Team New Zealand will grace the 2007 cover. (The painting is based on the actual heart-stopping scene in the final match where New Zealand incurred a penalty.) Other new material for the 2007 edition includes an addition to the Rogue's Gallery (Russell Coutts), plus information on new research and development of the America's Cup Class and the America's Cup course details.

Author Biography

Ranulf Rayner, who was born in Devonshire, grew up near the sea and as a boy raced dinghies. Always a keen yachtsman, he now spends much of his time sailing or carrying out historical research. Tim Thompson spent much of his childhood on the tiny island of Hern in the Channel Islands where, intrigued by the changing moods of the sea, he taught himself to paint. He has become a leading marine artist and has held several successful exhibitions.