By the end of the 19th Century, the America’s Cup had become a plaything for the rich, with men like J.P.Morgan and William K Vanderbilt controlling the New York Yacht Club.

Challenging them from Britain was Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton, founder of Lipton’s tea, who would challenge five times for the Cup.

In one practice, no less than King Edward II was on board when the mast collapsed, almost killing him. The King had his cigar knocked out of his hand, and calmly lighted a fresh one before asking if anyone was hurt.

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Research

There is no limit to the writings on the America’s Cup, and this was one of the biggest research jobs I’ve had.

Some of the key sources included:

A Full Cup: Sir Thomas Lipton's Extraordinary Life and His Quest for the America's Cup by Michael D'Antonio

The Quest for the America's Cup: Sailing to Victory by Richard V. Simpson

Exposed: The Dark Side of the America’s Cup by Alan Sefton and Larry Keating

Of course, the great man joined us and his book is Born To Win: The Power Of A Vision by John Bertrand.

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