Correspondence relating to the 1962 America's Cup challenge
Date1962
Object numberANMS0512
NameArchive series
MediumPaper
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Warwick J Hood
DescriptionThis archive series numbered [001] - [018] consists of correspondence written by naval architect Alan Payne to Warwick Hood relating to the 1962 America's Cup challenge, the first mounted by Australia. It includes 13 letters and five telegrams regarding weather conditions, ballast, crew, sails, cockpit training, feathering propeller, Lloyd's certificate for GRETEL and selling JANZOON.HistoryWarwick Hood was an assistant of naval architect Alan Payne, the designer of Australia's first challenger for the America's cup GRETEL. Warwick Hood went on to design DAME PATTIE, the second Australian yacht to challenge for the America's cup in 1967.
In 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.SignificanceThis material is an insider's view of the yacht design process, and America's Cup racing in 1962 collected by naval architect Warwick Hood.
