The America’s Cup has been known for its exciting and unforgettable matches throughout the regatta’s history.  Many global yacht clubs over the years were anxious to break the New York Yacht Club’s one hundred and thirty-two year winning streak.
Scottish baron Sir Thomas Lipton of the famed Lipton Tea Company was one of the most determined challengers in the race’s history.  Between 1899 and 1930, he financed five challenges all in yachts named Shamrock.  Although his yachts were not successful, he did have a major impact upon the sport.  His proposal to use seventy-five foot waterline boats rather than the ninety footers of previous years was approved.

The 1983 match up would be the most significant race of the America’s Cup.  Alan Bond’s Australian II was rumored to be a fierce competitor for the American defender Dennis Connor’s Liberty.  Early on, the yacht suffered equipment failure and put it behind at a 3-1 disadvantage.  However, the challenger came back and had a winning streak that tied them with the Liberty.  The Australian II won the seventh and deciding race on September 26, 1983 and became the first successful challenger in over a century.
In 1987, Connor representing the San Diego Yacht Club had another chance at bringing the cup back to the states.  He first won the Louis Vuitton Cup to become challenger and ending up wiping out the defender 4-0.

Another historic match was the race held in 1999 between New Zealand and Italy.  This race was notable since it was the first America’s Cup that did not include an American challenger or defender.

As the race continues on, there will certainly be more memorable matches that will continue to excite both participants and spectators.