American Eagle- 10 May 09

BOAT: American Eagle
OWNER: American Eagle Inc. http://www.americascupcharters.com/
DESIGNER: Bill Luders, Stamford, CT
BUILDER: Luders Marine Construction Company, Stamford, CT
YEAR: 1964
LENGTH: 68 feet [20.7 meters]
HULL: Double planked Mahogany on steam bent oak and laminated mahogany frames
HISTORY:
The 12 Metre yacht American Eagle was designed and built in 1964 for the Aurora Syndicate as a contender to defend the 19th America’s Cup. Ultimately, Constellation defeated “Eagle” in defense trials and went on to beat the British contender Sovereign.
In 1968 media tycoon Ted Turner bought “Eagle” and sailed her to victory in nearly every major ocean race during the period. The record set by Turner and “Eagle” in the 1971 Fastnet Race stood un rivaled until the huge and fatal storm of 1979. Turner’s victories aboard American Eagle led directly to his selection to defend and win the 1977 Cup on Courageous.
These days, “Eagle” lives in Newport and earns her living as a part of the America’s Cup Charter fleet. Already commissioned and floating, she was available last week to take a group of hearty sailors out for what turned out to be a beautiful day on the water. Her distinctive red hull makes her a standout. American Eagle and all of the other 12 Metre racing yachts are preparing for a majestic season of living history on Newport’s beautiful Harbor this summer.