1851 America's Cup Historic Manuscript: Eyewitness Account of USS America For Sale

This manuscript is a highly significant, first-hand account of the 1851 America’s Cup race. It is written in a letter-to-the-editor format, detailing the historic victory of the American schooner America over the British fleet of the Royal Yacht Squadron.

Summary

Context: The author describes the excitement surrounding the race between the American schooner America and the yachts belonging to the Royal Yacht Club of England.

The America: The manuscript provides a detailed technical description of the America, noting she was a 170-ton schooner owned and commanded by J.C. Stevens of New York. It describes her unique design, including her low hull, great breadth of beam, and lack of a foremast, relying on her foresail, mainsail, jib, and gaff topsail for propulsion.

The Race: The author recounts the America’s dominance, quoting a London Times correspondent who noted the "immense superiority" of the America within the first minute of the race.

The Tour: The latter half of the manuscript functions as a travelogue, describing the geography of the Isle of Wight, including landmarks like Osborne House (the residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert), Norris Castle, Quarr Abbey, and the Needles rocks.

Historical Significance

This document is of immense historical importance to maritime history. The 1851 race was the inaugural contest for what became known as the America's Cup, the oldest trophy in international sport. The America’s victory represented a major upset, as she defeated seventeen British vessels, demonstrating the superior design of American naval architecture of the time.

Estimated Value

Due to the rarity, the clear historical connection to the first America's Cup, and the detailed, period-correct technical and geographical descriptions, this manuscript is a significant collector's item.