The Yacht America
Smithsonian American Art Museum

The Yacht America

Charles S. Raleigh, born Gloucester, England 1830-died Bourne, MA 1925 · 1877

oil on canvas
Smithsonian American Art Museum
CC0 — Public Domain
Smithsonian American Art Museum

The original yacht America was built in 1851 to compete in the Hundred Guinea Cup, the only American entry against fourteen British vessels. When the race was over, Queen Victoria asked, “Who is in first place?” and was told that America had won. When she asked, “Then who is in second?” the American boat had such a strong lead that the reply was: “Madam, there is no second.” After this, the race became known as the America’s Cup.

🔒
Order museum-quality prints

Sign in to order prints, canvas, and more of this work. Browsing and full-resolution downloads stay free.