Of all the sailboats built on City Island, many led a 110-year string of two dozen successful races to defend the America's Cup. There was Magic, an 84-foot schooner rebuilt in the David Carll Shipyard in 1869, and Freedom, which was built at the Minneford Shipyard back in 1980.
From 1903 to 1958 race participants relied on sails made by Ratsey & Lapthorn on City Island, doing business from 1900 to 1982. But in 1983, when City Island was not connected to America’s Cup, the US first lost the trophy.
The City Island Nautical Museum will host an exhibit reception and presentation on Sunday, September 15, the day of final race 11* 1:10 pm PT, final race 12* 2:10 pm PT. The local distinguished guest will be boat captain, photographer extraordinaire, as well as proud City Islander Dick Sadler. Dick is the youngest son of the former president of the City Island Historical Society, the late and great Capt. Ed Sadler. Dick enjoys having been the only City Islander working on a boat crew that won America’s Cup. He’ll reminisce about his experiences as well as on working for Ted Turner.
A renowned international event, America's Cup has delivered its shares of flops, but one aspect of this 34th race that has many folks raving is their broadcast coverage. Event organizers are making America's Cup a broadcast-friendly event in order to appeal to the masses. For example, to capture all the action these boats have seven cameras and 14 on-board microphones to document each crew. Three helicopters give an aerial view, while on the water two cameras follow the action on chase-boats.
The City Island Nautical Museum is operated by the City Island Historical Society. This not-for-profit organization, is located at 190 Fordham Street near the corner of King avenue. The non air conditioned museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. and by special appointment.