THE AMERICA'S CUP

1.  Where did the name “America’s Cup” come from?

In the Great Exposition of 1851, Britain wanted to test its "supremacy" over the waves
by creating a yacht race open to all nations. A 90-foot schooner was commissioned
by the New York Yacht Club, called The "America" which challenged 16 British ships.
Not only did the US win, but it broke the record for crossing the Atlantic on its way to the Race...

In honor of the winner, the trophy was named "America's Cup."

2.  Where will the next America’s Cup take place? Valencia, Spain

3.  What team won the race in 2003 and what nation were they from?
Team Alinghi won, representing Switzerland.

4. WHOOPS! No question #4....sorry bout that.

5.  When did the first “official” challenge for the America’s Cup take place?
While the initial race took place in 1851, the first "official" challenge occurred in 1870. 

6.   What is the smallest nation to win the America’s Cup?
There were actually two correct answers for this..
New Zealand which is the smallest nation by population
and Switzerland which is smallest in land mass.

7.   Who commissioned the trophy for the America’s Cup, and who actually created it?
There were several answers that would be acceptable: 1) The Queen, who authorized
the cup; 2) The Royal Yacht Squadron or Club; or 3) Lord Anglesey
(or First Marquise of Anglesey) who presented the cup to the Royal Yacht Squadron

8.  How does the America’s Cup travel from place to place?
This question was a bit ambiguous--was the question about how
the actual race travels from area to area, or the cup or trophy travels...and so:
1) The trophy does travel to the nation who wins it, and it does travel in its
own seat in business class, accompanied by 2 security guards; and
2) The location/venue for the each race is decided upon
by the Defender and the Challenger of the race.

9.  Who decides the rules and regulations for the America’s Cup race?
The Deed of Gift is the governing document, however protocol is decided
by the winning Yacht Club from the previous America's Cup race.

10.  How many years did the United States hold the cup before a foreign challenger won it? 
132 Years