Steve Mair - Commodore, Royal New Zealand Yacht Club
“What a great story! Fantastic read and a great backdrop to the event in Bermuda. The richness and depth of the tale is one that sets the tone for the following 34 America’s Cup challenges. The attitude in 1851 from the Americans shows significant similarities to New Zealand’s involvement over the last 30 years – to prove that a fledgling nation can foot it, and beat, the might of the defenders. A must read for anyone even remotely interested in the America’s Cup”.
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Rupert Paget - descendent of first Marquess of Anglesey (who donated the £100 Cup to the Royal Yacht Squadron)
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"A very clever combination of fact and fiction. The fact being the £100 Cup (later the 'America's Cup') of 1851, the fiction being the tale of 2 men who become involved, one from New York and one from London. Life in squalid Victorian London and less squalid rural England depicted brilliantly and convincingly. This is a character led story with a good plot, often difficult to find.
Would love to say more but don't want to spoil it. Highly recommended. Looking forward to the next volume."
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Tucker Thompson - Public Host of 35th America's Cup in Bermuda
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"I loved the book and really enjoyed reading it. It is very well written and I am grateful to have a copy particularly as a relative of George Lee Schuyler one of the owners of AMERICA."
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Andrea Sinclair
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"This is a beautifully written book about the first Americas Cup, set against the historical background of the Great Exhibition in London in 1851. From the first two chapters and with clever use of change in time & place, it draws you into the two main characters lives, the American carpenter John and the English journalist Frank. Whilst the historical events that took place and culminated in the sailing race around the Isle of Wight are brought to life, we also learn more about the personal stories and mysteries that surround Frank and John. There is suspense at all levels. This is more than a story about sailing and winning a race, but about teaching us all the lesson that 'If you choose not to fight, consider yourself beaten'. Read this book!"
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