The Rainbow, originally built in 1934 by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, was commissioned by Harold Vanderbilt to defend the America’s Cup. It successfully defeated the British challenger Endeavour, securing its place in sailing history. This model is meticulously handcrafted from cedar wood, mahogany, teak, and various other exotic woods.Each model is 100% handmade, built using the plank-on-frame construction method—similar to actual shipbuilding.Craftsmen spend hundreds of hours ensuring precision and historical accuracy. Details: - Hull Design: The sleek, narrow hull is painted in a rich dark mahogany finish with a black stripe along the waterline, perfectly replicating the elegance of the original Rainbow yacht. Its sharp bow and streamlined shape highlight the yacht’s racing heritage. - Masts & Rigging: The towering single mast is fitted with intricately hand-tied rigging, supporting a large, hand-stitched linen sail that captures the spirit of classic sailing yachts. The bowsprit extends forward, adding to the yacht’s aerodynamic design. - Deck Accessories: The deck is beautifully handcrafted with wooden planks and features metal cleats, hatch covers, and detailed winches. The wooden boom and steering wheel are carefully constructed to enhance authenticity. - Display Stand: The model comes fully assembled and is mounted on a solid wooden base with a brass nameplate, making it an excellent display piece for homes, offices, or yacht clubs. Note: Model arrives with the mast and sails folded down for easy shipping; all riggings are done, just need to raise the mast up and make some adjustments to straighten out the sails, assembly in minutes. Please take a look at the assembly youtube video here . Embrace the little challenge of bringing your model to life, just as sailors prepared their vessels for the open sea. This museum-quality model is perfect for classic yacht enthusiasts, America’s Cup fans, and collectors of historic sailing vessels. Bring home the legendary Rainbow today and celebrate the golden era of competitive sailing!
History
The Rainbow is a legendary sailboat, best known for its role in the America's Cup races. Designed in 1934 by Olin Stephens of the Sparkman & Stephens naval architecture firm, the Rainbow was built for the Royal Yacht Squadron in the United Kingdom and quickly gained fame as a competitive contender in one of the most prestigious yacht races in the world. The Rainbow was a part of the intense competition between the United States and Great Britain for the America's Cup. Its elegant design, featuring a sleek hull and large sail plan, made it a formidable opponent on the racecourse. The yacht was constructed by the Bath Iron Works in Maine and designed to withstand the demanding conditions of the race while providing optimal performance. Rainbow's most significant achievement came in 1934, when it successfully defeated the American yacht Velsheda to win the America’s Cup. This victory solidified its place in sailing history, and it became one of the most recognized yachts of its time. The yacht's stylish lines and powerful performance not only earned it a reputation in the competitive sailing world but also contributed to the broader appeal of classic yacht design. After its America’s Cup victory, Rainbow continued to be used in various sailing competitions and exhibitions. It eventually became part of maritime heritage, remembered for its historical significance and stunning design. Today, Rainbow stands as a symbol of classic yacht craftsmanship and performance, embodying a golden era of yacht racing and naval innovation.
