A new exhibit at the IYRS Maritime Library explores the rich history of America's Cup races held in Newport between 1930 and 1983. “The America's Cup and Newport, 1930-1983” features photographs, films, blueprints, documents, flags and more, providing a glimpse into life in the city during the 12 times these prestigious races were held in Newport.
The free exhibition will run through the end of the year and is open to the public from noon to 5pm Wednesdays to Saturdays at the library, located at 449 Thames Street.
Newport has been the site of America's Cup races for over 50 years, and the exhibit focuses on the challenges in the 1930s, the race's revival in 1958, and the subsequent events which have taken place approximately every four years since.
“The history of these races is filled with colorful characters, from Sir Thomas Lipton in the 1930s to Ted Turner in the 1970s,” the IYRS Technology & Trades School said in a press release.
Private signal flag of Sir Thomas Lipton on Shamrock V, 1930. Photo courtesy of IYRS Technical and Trade School.
Items on display include a photograph of Lipton accepting a silver trophy modeled after the Old Stone Mill, presented to him on behalf of a grateful Newport, and his personal signal flag, a gift from Shamrock V.
Sir Thomas Lipton presented with the trophy by the citizens of Newport in 1930. Photo courtesy of IYRS Technology and Trade School
There are also many photographs of Ted Turner on display, including him discussing with Ted Hood before the race, taking victory off Bannister's Wharf and walking triumphantly down America's Cup Avenue after his 1977 win.
For those interested in the economics of racing, the exhibit features the union income statement for the 1964 Defender Constellation, which details expenses such as Sparkman and Stevens' design fee of $76,807, Ted Hood's sails cost of $54,938 and the crew's accommodation at Castle Hill cost of $29,230.
Endeavour II, 1937, film still. Photo courtesy of IYRS Technical and Trade School.
The exhibit boasts a rare collection of film, including color film of the 1937 race, footage of the 1958 trials and race featuring Easterner, Weatherly, Columbia and Scepter, and footage of the 1962 and 1964 races featuring Weatherly, Gretel I and Constellation.
Many of these films were shot by or are provided from his collection, Olympic sailor and boat builder George O'Day, who served on the Weatherly in 1962 and the Intrepid in 1967.
Other notable items in the exhibit include annotated blueprints of Sterling Burgess' Rainbow, blueprints for his “Park Avenue” boom, photographs and letters from the crew of Shamrock V, a signed book by Harold Vanderbilt, and a photo album of the Scepter crew.
The cockpit of a British Challenger Scepter, 1958. Photo courtesy of IYRS Technology and Trade School
The exhibit traces the evolution of America's Cup challenges in Newport, from the British challengers of the 1930s, 1958 and 1964 to the Australian teams that dominated in the following years. The exhibit culminates with Australia II's historic victory in 1983, which brought an end to America's long-standing Cup monopoly.
The force behind this exhibit is the IYRS School of Technology & Trades, a not-for-profit higher education experiential learning institution located in Newport. Founded in 1993 as the International Yacht Restoration School, IYRS has grown into a world-class learning institution offering four ACCSC-accredited full-time programs.
The school specializes in maritime trades and modern manufacturing, offering education and training programs for people with a passion for working with their hands. IYRS graduates pursue careers in a variety of industries, including marine, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, wind energy and composites.
Southern Cross crew and mascots outside the Colony House in Newport. Photo courtesy of IYRS Technology and Trade School
The America's Cup and Newport, 1930-1983 exhibit not only celebrates the city's maritime heritage, but also highlights the importance of skilled craftsmanship in the modern world. By showcasing the technological advancements and craftsmanship involved in these historic races, the IYRS continues to inspire the next generation of skilled engineers and craftsmen.
A visit to the exhibition provides a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the America's Cup on Newport's history and the wider impact of maritime technology on various industries. A rare collection of photographs, films and documents offers a unique opportunity to experience the excitement and innovation that characterized the golden age of competitive sailing.
