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1870

1st Cup

Magic

Defender
US
ArchitectRichard Fanning Loper
BuilderT. Byerly & Son
OwnerFranklin Osgood
ClubNew York Yacht Club
TypeCenterboard schooner
Length HT27.43 m
Draft2.02/5.18 m
Main mast18.25 m
Displacement80 tons
Sail area602 m²

Cambria

Challenger
GB
ArchitectMichael Ratsey
BuilderMichael Ratsey
OwnerJames Ashbury
ClubRoyal Thames Yacht Club
SkipperJ TANNOCK
TypeKeel schooner
Length HT32.91 m
Draft3.66 m
Main mast18.60 m
Displacement188 tons
Sail area830 m²

The winnerUS

Magic is a light American schooner with a centerboard, typical of the shallow waters of New York. She danced where Cambria struggled, symbolizing the advantage of local designers. Smaller and more agile, Magic was able to take advantage of the changing winds. She took the lead and was never caught.

The loser

The first official challenge brought by Challenger Cambria, a British schooner designed by Michael Ratsey. Sturdy and traditional, she embodied the power of the high seas. But her challenge was cruel: the rules forced her to face an entire fleet of 17 boats. She fought valiantly, but could not overcome this obstacle.