USA Recaptures America's Cup

The America's Cup is back in American hands thanks to the money, technology and tenacity of software tycoon Larry Ellison, 65. On Sunday, Valentine’s Day, America’s newest sweetheart lifted the America's Cup high in the air before kissing the oldest trophy in international sports.

The America’s Cup is a trophy awarded to the winner of the America's Cup sailing regatta match. It is the oldest active trophy in international sport, predating the Modern Olympics by 45 years. Originally named the Royal Yacht Squadron Cup, it became known as the "America's Cup" after the first yacht to win the trophy, the schooner America.

The trophy remained in the hands of the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) from 1857 (when the syndicate that won the Cup donated the trophy to the club) until 1983 when the Cup was won by the Royal Perth Yacht Club, with their yacht, Australia II, ending the longest winning streak in the history of sport.

Ellison's trimaran, BMW Oracle, handily won with a two-race sweep in the 33rd America's Cup over two-time defending champion Alinghi, owned by Ernesto Bertarelli of Switzerland.

PHOTO: The BMW Oracle Racing America's Cup yacht USA-17 sailing off of Valencia, Spain on January 22, 2010. By Pedro de Arechavaleta, Wikimedia Commons.