VO70 Maserati currently attempting the monohull record on the Gold Rush Route – New York to San Francisco, around Cape Horn VO70 Maserati, skippered by Giovanni Soldini, is currently attempting the monohull record on the Gold Rush Route – New York to San Francisco, around Cape Horn

Making maritime history in San Francisco – not just the “America’s Cup”

San Francisco will host the America’s Cup in 2013. This iconic event is a battle of technology and sailing skill fueled by the egos and fortunes of the tycoons who have been captivated by this silver trophy. The yacht “America” first won the trophy on August 22, 1851, racing against the cream of British yachting in a race around the Isle of Wight.

Poster announcing the £100 guinea cup which became “America’s Cup” Royal Yacht Squadron poster 1851. The RYS £100 Cup became “America’s Cup” America’s Cup trophy America’s Cup trophy

This trophy, named after the yacht that first won it, remained in the hands of the New York Yacht Club until 1983, when the challenger from Australia won it – 132 years after “America.”

The yacht “America” in 1851 The yacht “America” in 1851

“Flying Cloud” made history in 1851, too.  And her record stood even longer than the US grip on  “America’s Cup”

Gold Rush Route: New York to San Francisco. Flying Cloud held the record – 89 days – from 1851-1989. Gold Rush Route: New York to San Francisco. Flying Cloud held the record – 89 days – from 1851-1989.

August 1851 was a golden moment in US maritime history – nine days after “America” won her cup in UK waters, “Flying Cloud” dropped anchor in San Francisco Bay, 89 days and 21 hours after leaving New York. This was an astonishing passage – around Cape Horn against the prevailing powerful winds – in less than half the usual time for the New York to San Francisco passage.  The gold rush was in full swing, and speed was everything.

Poster for fast clipper ship to California and the gold rush During the Gold Rush, speed was everything

“Flying Cloud” carried 11 passengers and cargo. Her main mast broke twice during the passage and was repaired under way by the ship’s carpenter and crew. Two crewmen tried to sabotage her, drilling holes in the hull.  And yet, no vessel of any kind sailed faster from New York to San Francisco until 1989! “Flying Cloud” held the record for the “Gold Rush Route” for 138 years – longer than the New York Yacht Club held “America’s” Cup. The record has been bettered three times since 1989. The current record is 43 days 38 seconds, set in 2008 by Lionel Lemonchois in the giant catamaran “Gitana 13.”

Gitana 13 set the outright Gold Rush Route record in 2008 – 47 days New York to San Francisco. Flying Cloud held the record from 1851-1989. “Gitana 13” set the outright Gold Rush Route record in 2008 – 47 days New York to San Francisco. “Flying Cloud” held the record from 1851-1989.

Yves Parlier holds the monohull Gold Rush Route record  with “Aquitaine Innovations” – 57 days 3 hours.  This is the record that Giovanni Soldini and the crew of “Maserati” are trying to beat.

Yves Parlier holds the monohull Gold Rush Route record – 57 days- with Aquitaine Innovations. Yves Parlier holds the monohull Gold Rush Route record – 57 days- with Aquitaine Innovations.