The America's Cup: The Modern Giants

The J-class yacht, in the 1930's, embodied new technology and professionalism in yachting and heralded in the modern era in the America's Cup. Designers introduced aeronautical technology in the engineering of hulls and rigging. Aluminium masts and the 'Park Avenue' boom were introduced

to save weight and aid in sail trimming.

The men who raced them were professional, not amateur, and the skippers such as Harold

S. Vander built and owners, such as Sir Thomas Lipton were leaders in their

field and wealthy enough to finance defenders and challengers for the

America's Cup. The races in the J-boat era became personal obsessions of wealthy and powerful men who devoted their lives to yachting.

These Modern Giants were considered the perfect yacht - beautiful, fast and

exciting to sail. They, and the men who sailed them, captured the imagination

of the public entering the modern age. Their role in competing for the America's Cup only enhanced them further, and consolidated the Cup as the pinnacle of yachting.