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 introducedto save weight and aid in sail trimming.The men who raced them were professional, not amateur, and the skippers such as HaroldS. Vander built and owners, such as Sir Thomas Lipton were leaders in theirfield and wealthy enough to finance defenders and challengers for theAmerica'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 andexciting to sail. They, and the men who sailed them, captured the imaginationof 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.