2017 America's Cup Stamp Sheet

The America’s Cup, affectionately known as the Auld Mug, is the oldest active trophy in international sport. First contested in 1851, it predates the modern Olympics by 45 years.

The competition for this prestigious Cup began when a schooner named America won a race around the Isle of Wight against a fleet of Britain’s finest boats. In 1857 the owners of America donated the Cup to the New York Yacht Club (NYCC). The Cup was to become a ‘challenge trophy’ for ‘friendly competition between foreign countries’. And so began America’s 132 year winning-streak and domination of the sport.

America successfully defended the cup 24 times until in 1983 they met their match when they failed to beat Australia. The longest winning streak in history was finally broken.

The America’s Cup is notoriously difficult to win. Since the first race over 150 years ago, only four nations have been able to join the extremely exclusive winners circle, New Zealand being one of them.

1995 was New Zealand’s year for victory. Team New Zealand sailed to glory in their superior craft and the America’s Cup was welcomed with open arms back to the southern hemisphere. However, this was short-lived and despite having been successful defending the Cup in 2000, we lost and farewelled the Cup in 2003.

Product Listing for 2017 America's Cup Stamp Sheet

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Image	Title	Description	Price
	Stamp Sheet	The America’s Cup is not without its dramas, and there have been many. From swifter, lighter boats, to the multi-hulled catamarans. 2017 was to be no different, with New Zealand revealing their secret weapon, cyclors. No longer was the traditional hand crank enough to generate the hydraulic pressure which powered the foiling cat, instead leg power was introduced and put to the test. Through these special commemorative stamps, you could take a closer look at the incredible skill and innovation that enabled New Zealand to sail away to victory.	$19.90