His words set the tone for what we now know as the America 's Cup -- a prestigious , fierce , and controversial race which has just one winner and no runners-up . For more than 160 years , the America 's cup has been at the forefront of yacht design . From Scotland 's traditional boats to modern 'winged ' yachts , CNN looks at highlights . TL;DR The America's Cup is a sailing event that takes place every two years. British sailor Andrew Simpson 's death while training in May has raised safety questions .
For more than 160 years , the America 's cup has been at the forefront of yacht design . From Scotland 's traditional boats to modern 'winged ' yachts , CNN looks at highlights . TL;DR The America's Cup is a sailing event that takes place every two years. British sailor Andrew Simpson 's death while training in May has raised safety questions .