A new exhibit at the IYRS Maritime Library showcases the rich history of America’s Cup races in Newport from 1930 to 1983. “The America’s Cup and Newport, 1930-1983” features photographs, films, blueprint plans, documents, flags and more, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s life during the 12 times these prestigious races came to Newport.
The free exhibit, which runs through the end of the year, is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. at the library located at 449 Thames Street.
For over five decades, Newport was the home of the America’s Cup races. The exhibit highlights the challenges in the 1930s, the return of the races in 1958, and the subsequent competitions held approximately every four years.
“Colorful figures dot the history of these races, such as Sir Thomas Lipton in 1930 and Ted Turner in the 1970s,” the IYRS School of Technology & Trades said in a press release.
The exhibit includes a photograph of Lipton accepting a silver trophy modeled after the Old Stone Mill, presented to him on behalf of the grateful citizens of Newport, as well as his personal signal flag from Shamrock V.
Numerous photographs of Ted Turner are also on display, showing him in discussion with Ted Hood before the races, victorious off Bannister’s Wharf, and walking triumphantly along America’s Cup Avenue after winning in 1977.
For those interested in the financial aspects of the races, the exhibit features the syndicate income and expense report for the 1964 defender Constellation. The report details expenses such as $76,807 to Sparkman and Stephens for design, $54,938 to Ted Hood for sails, and $29,230 for the crew’s stay at Castle Hill.
The exhibit boasts a collection of rare films, including a color film of the 1937 races, footage of the 1958 trials and races featuring Easterner, Weatherly, Columbia and Sceptre, and the 1962 and 1964 races with Weatherly, Gretel I, and Constellation.
Many of these films were either filmed by or come from the collection of Olympic sailor and boat builder George O’Day, who was a crew member on Weatherly in 1962 and Intrepid in 1967.
Other notable items in the exhibit include an annotated blueprint for Starling Burgess’s Rainbow, a blueprint of his design for the “Park Avenue” boom, photographs and correspondence from the crew of Shamrock V, signed books by Harold Vanderbilt, and a crew photograph album of Sceptre.
The exhibit traces the evolution of the America’s Cup challenges in Newport, from the British challengers in the 1930s, 1958, and 1964, to the Australian teams that dominated the later years. It culminates with the historic victory of Australia II in 1983, which ended the United States’ long-standing hold on the Cup.
IYRS School of Technology & Trades, the institution behind the exhibit, is a non-profit, post-secondary experiential learning institution in Newport. Founded in 1993 as the International Yacht Restoration School, IYRS has grown into a world-class learning institution offering four full-time, ACCSC-accredited programs.
The school specializes in marine trades and modern manufacturing, providing education and training programs for people passionate about working with their hands. IYRS graduates pursue careers across various industries, including marine, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, wind energy, and composites.
“The America’s Cup and Newport, 1930-1983” exhibit not only celebrates the city’s maritime heritage but also highlights the ongoing importance of skilled trades in the modern world. By showcasing the technological advancements and craftsmanship involved in these historic races, IYRS continues to inspire the next generation of skilled technicians and artisans.
Visitors to the exhibit can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of the America’s Cup’s significance to Newport’s history and the broader impact of maritime technology on various industries. The collection of rare photographs, films, and documents offers a unique opportunity to experience the excitement and innovation that characterized this golden era of sailing competition.
