Columbia, the victorious defender of the 1958 America's Cup for the New York Yacht Club, is faithfully represented in this handcrafted model. Built using a plank-on-frame technique from premium materials including western red cedar, rosewood, mahogany, and teak, it showcases the skill of master craftsmen. Designed according to the original plans, photos, and drawings, the model perfectly captures the elegance of the original vessel in scale. Notable features include a single mast with hand-stitched linen sails, detailed rigging, wooden hatches, metal stanchions and railings, and a varnished hull highlighting the natural grain, complemented by a painted waterline. The model is securely mounted on a wooden base with a brass nameplate reading "Columbia 1958." Light assembly is required, as the mast and sails are folded for shipping. Please Note: Your model is shipped with the mast and sails neatly folded for secure and efficient delivery. All rigging is pre-installed—simply raise the mast and adjust the sails for proper alignment, and your assembly will be complete in minutes. For a step-by-step guide, check out our YouTube assembly video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8gJ95oIaEk. Enjoy the rewarding challenge of bringing your model to life, much like sailors preparing their vessels for the open sea.
History
The Columbia is an iconic American sailboat, most famous for its victory in the 1964 America's Cup. Built in 1963 by the Newport Shipbuilding in Rhode Island, Columbia was designed by William H. Tripp Jr. and was the first yacht to win the prestigious America's Cup for the United States after a 19-year break in the competition. The Columbia's victory marked a new era in the world of competitive sailing and brought the United States back to dominance in the race for the first time since 1950. The boat was designed with speed, stability, and maneuverability in mind, combining a modern hull shape with a powerful sail plan. Columbia was a 12-meter-class yacht, which was the standard for America's Cup boats at the time. Its design incorporated cutting-edge materials and technology, ensuring it could withstand the demanding conditions of the America's Cup races. Following its success in the 1964 America's Cup, Columbia went on to become a symbol of American yacht racing, admired for its craftsmanship and advanced design. The victory sparked a renewed interest in yacht racing, and Columbia remains an iconic example of America's sailing heritage. Today, Columbia continues to be celebrated by sailing enthusiasts and collectors for its historical significance, both as a competitive racer and as a representation of mid-20th-century yacht design. It stands as a lasting symbol of American maritime achievement and a testament to the innovation that shaped the world of sailing.
