On this day in history, August 22, 1851, schooner America wins first America's Cup trophy

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The schooner "America" won what would become known as the "America's Cup" race on this day in history, Aug. 22, 1851.

Known at the time as the "Hundred Guinea Cup," referencing the value of the trophy, the race was sponsored by the Royal Yacht Squadron of Great Britain. It consisted of a race around the Isle of Wight.

"America," a 100-foot schooner built by George Steers and William H. Brown — and entered by the New York Yacht Club — won the event, said Encyclopedia Britannica. The trophy was renamed "America's Cup" in its honor. 

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The trophy then became a "challenge trophy" and is now open to "sailing clubs of all nations," said the website of INEOS Britannia, a British sailing team.

While countries are free to enter ships, "each competing vessel must be designed, built, and, insofar as possible, outfitted solely in the country that it represents," said Encyclopedia Britannica. 

A James Bard painting of the America schooner yacht, which won the first America's Cup race on this day in history, August 22, 1851.  (Wikimedia Commons)

The second awarding of the America's Cup did not occur until 1870. 

That race, too, was won by the New York Yacht Club.

The New York Yacht Club also won the next several races. 

"American teams representing the New York Yacht Club successfully defended the Cup against all challenges for 132 years – the longest winning streak in sport – until an Australian team won in 1983," said INEOS Britannia. 

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