This rare photo in our "Legacy of Sailing" collection shows not one but 2 America's Cup winners side by side. Defender, designed by Nat Herreshoff had a brief but glorious career. Built in 1895 it was victorious in the America's Cup that same year against the British vessel Valkyrie III but was eventually dismantled in 1901. Pictured here beside her is another Herreshoff masterpiece, Columbia which was launched in 1899 and would go on to win the much coveted trophy not once but twice in two successive years! Sadly corrosion of her aluminum frame led owners to scrap Columbia in 1913.

But in 1899, both yachts were still in fine condition and vying for the privilege to face the English yacht Shamrock. Trials of speed were set up and eagerly monitored in the summer of 1899 from Naragansett Bay (where we believe this photo was taken) to Newport. Increasingly the superiority of Columbia over Defender was absolute. Her new steel mast undoubtedly contributed to her faster finish.

Photo Credit - Jay Heritage Center Archives