The Race That Started the America’s Cup
On August 22, 1851, a sailing yacht named America swept around the Isle of Wight, an island off the southern coast of England. The yacht had crossed the Atlantic from the United States to compete against British boats. By the time it returned to the finish, it had won a prize that would help launch a famous international sailing competition.
The race was organized by the Royal Yacht Squadron, a British sailing club. The course took the boats around the Isle of Wight, through waters where changing winds and tides could test even skilled sailors. Competitors had to steer, adjust their sails, and respond to conditions throughout the race. A fast boat alone was not enough; its crew also had to know how to handle it.
America was a schooner, a sailing vessel with two or more masts. Its long, narrow hull and carefully designed sails helped it move efficiently through the water. The yacht had been built in the United States for a group of owners from the New York Yacht Club. Its appearance and performance attracted attention in Britain, where many people were eager to see how the visitor would compare with local yachts.
- course:
- The route followed in a race.
- tides:
- The regular rising and falling of ocean water.
- hull:
- The main body of a boat.
- efficiently:
- In a way that works well without wasting effort.
- agreement:
- A decision accepted by the people involved.
- representing:
- Acting or competing on behalf of a group.
- rival:
- A person or group competing against another.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Why did winning the 1851 race require more than a fast boat?
- 2How did America’s design help it compete?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“The Race That Started the America’s Cup” is a explanatory article reading passage about Sailing history, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (491 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.