America's Cup '88 commemorative t-shirt
Maker
Hanes
Datec 1987
Object number00004946
NameT-shirt
MediumCotton
DimensionsOverall: 690 x 480 mm
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the Sail America Foundation
DescriptionThis white t-shirt features a logo for STARS & STRIPES, an America's Cup yacht. The 1988 America's Cup was contested by the San Diego Yacht Club, winners of the 1987 America's Cup, and the Mercury Bay Boating Club. Following a controversial and litigious lead up to the race, when the Mercury Bay Boating Club issued a notice of intention to race a 90 foot boat, a wide deviation from the standard 12 meter racers, the San Diego Yacht Club won the race with their 60 foot catamaran STARS & STRIPES.HistoryIn 1848 Queen Victoria instigated the creation of a golden cup, known as the 'One Hundred Guinea Cup' to be awarded for a yacht race. The competition would be open to all nations. In the inaugural race on 22 August 1851 the United States built schooner AMERICA challenged 16 British vessels and was victorious in the 85 kilometre race around the Isle of Wight. The competition is still in operation today and one of the most respected and prestigious sailing competitions to be held in the world.
AMERICA was a schooner yacht designed by George Steers for Commodore John Cox Stevens. Steers was a member of the New York Yacht Club and built the vessel as a deliberate challenge to the British designed vessels that were dominating the sport of yachting.SignificanceThis souvenir t-shirt commemorates the controversial 1988 America's Cup Yacht Race. The America's Cup is still a major event in the yachting calendar and the 1988 America's Cup was important in challenging the regulations under which the race was undertaken.
