Scandinavian Gold Cup

Scandinavian Gold Cup is a sailing race held annually for 5.5 metre yachts. It is a nation race, meaning that each participant nation can send only one boat/team. Despite its name, it has been an international competition almost through its entire history, and participating is not limited to Scandinavian nations. The event has been held every year since 1919 (with exception of 1920 and 1940-46) making it one of the oldest active sailing trophies.

The Cup was originally established by one of the oldest Finnish yacht clubs, "Nyländska Jaktklubben" (NJK) in 1919, to celebrate newly achieved Finnish independence, promote sailing and improve relations between Finnish and Swedish yacht racers. At first, the Cup was a challenge competition between Finland and Sweden and it was raced with 40m² Skerry Cruisers. First event was won by Swedes. In 1922, Finns decided to give the trophy for now-popular International 6 Metre class. It was intended to replace older One Ton Cup as an international prize for smaller, more afforable racing yachts. 1926 was first year when competitors came outside Nordic countries and Cup was soon established as one of the most coveted in sailing world, attracting famous designers and competitors, including America's Cup winners.

By end of 1930s, increasing costs began to decrease popularity of 6mR class and it was gradually replaced by cheaper 5 Metre and 5.5 Metre classes. Gold Cup was raced with 5.5 metre boats from 1953 onwards. It has continued to be raced annually, with exception of 1986, when two competitions were held. 2006 Cup was held in Netherlands, involved 11 nations and was for the first time won by a Dutch team.

Other Gold Cups

There are several other sailing trophies going by name 'Gold Cup'. These include

Dragon Gold Cup, established in 1937 for Dragon Class one-design yachts.

Finn Gold Cup, annual World Championship event for Finn dinghies.

King Edward VII Gold Cup, raced in Bermuda with International One Design class yachts.

Links

[http://www.5.5class.org/ 5.5 Metre class association]

[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,761784,00.html TIME article from 1939 describing US boat "Goose" winning the trophy]