An addictive passion

The America's Cup, the pinnacle of yachting, was originally raced in 1851, making it the oldest prize in international competition, having been established 45 years before the modern Olympic Games.

The trophy's origins can be traced back to when a group of New York businessmen sailed the schooner America across the Atlantic Ocean to England for the World's Fair.

The schooner took the £100 Cup after winning a race around the Isle of Wight against a fleet of British yachts.

From tea trader Sir Thomas Lipton to brewing and real estate billionaire Alan Bond, aviation pioneer Sir T.O.M. Sopwith, the Aga Khan, media mogul Ted Turner, and Harold S. Vanderbilt, the America's Cup has enthralled leaders of industry and royalty throughout its history.

Tom Blackaller, Peter Blake, Dennis Conner, Russell Coutts, Brad Butterworth, and Grant Dalton are just a few of the sailing legends.