Collections Item Detail

DescriptionBlack-and-white photo of an America's Cup racing yacht in a graving dock, location unknown (possibly Bayonne or Staten Island), no date, possibly 1893 or 1895. 10-5/8" x 13-1/2" wide borderless gloss print. Photographer not indicated. Reverse blank. Source of original image is not given; print believed to be an enlargement made from original glass plate. Based on the 44-star American flag in view and which was used from 1891 to 1896, the sailing vessel is likely one of the two defenders of the America's Cup for the New York Yacht Club within the 1891-1896 period, either 1893 or 1895. (This general identification as a racing yacht for the New York Yacht Club sponsored race was provided by the donor; it is related to photo 2014.044.0105, a view identified as a "British Contender".) The hull appears to be metal. The hull shape seems to correspond to that of William K. Vanderbilt's Defender of 1895. It was successful in the challenge of that year. It may also be from 1893 when Charles Oliver Iselin syndicate's Vigilant was the successful defender of the cup. It too had a metal hull. ---- drydock / dry dock /