American Eagle US 2I

Ted Turner's Famous Champion

Year Built: 1964
Yacht Designer: Bill Luders
Yacht Builder: Luders Marine Construction, Stamford, CT
Syndicate: AURORA

Headed by Reynolds duPont, the AURORA Syndicate commissioned Bill Luders of Stamford, CT to design and build the sleek 1964 America's Cup Contender. American Eagle was the "bird" to beat - winning 20 out of 21 races in the June and July trials held off Newport, RI. By summer's end, Constellation had gained the upper hand and earned the right to sail in the 19th Cup Defense, defeating the British challenger Sovereign in a clean sweep.

American Eagle is most famous for her extraordinary history as an ocean racer under the command of Ted Turner. From 1969 to 1974, the brilliant red Eagle ruled the offshore waters, winning the first World Ocean Racing Championship and setting records in the distinguished S.O.R.C. , Fastnet and Sydney-Hobart Races. Ted Turner won the coveted "Yachtsman of the Year" award twice while owner/skipper of American Eagle.

In 1976, Turner sold Eagle to pursue and eventually fulfill his dream of defending the America's Cup. In 1977 he successfully skippered the I2 Meter Courageous in the 'Cup. Meanwhile, Eagle's new owner Warren Brown of Bermuda, continued American Eagle's awesome career crossing the Atlantic Ocean several times and winning major regattas in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. Eagle finished close behind the wining Turner and his Tenacious in the deadly 1979 Fastnet Race storm, demonstrating her seaworthiness in an event that sadly left many boats and sailors on the bottom of the sea.

American Eagle, sporting one of the most prestigious racer records in ocean racing history, continues to provide a rare and memorable opportunity for you and your guests. Take the wheel and sense the sheer power and exhilaration that only the big Twelves provide.