1851

The winner

The schooner America had come to Cowes to challenge the world's greatest maritime power in the round-the-Isle of Wight race. On August 22, 1851, at 10:00 AM, America faced a fleet of 15 British ships. America crossed the starting line in last place and gradually worked her way up through the fleet. America passed inside the Nab Tower, took the lead, and held it to the finish. When Queen Victoria, who was watching the race, asked who was in second place, she was told, "There is no second place." Her resounding victory gave birth to legend.