Cup History: Penalty flag delay the turning point

Back in 1934

"Britain rules the waves, but America waives the rules," - a British newspaper headline from the 1934 cup contest.

The lead-up began with T.O.M. Sopwith, a millionaire aircraft manufacturer who produced the Sopwith Camel, the most successful plane in the First World War.

He was also one of the best amateur helmsmen in England. Sopwith signalled a change of guard in the America's Cup challengers after the death of Sir Thomas Lipton.

Although his challenge was delayed until the economies of both Britain and the United States stabilised after the 1930 Wall St crash, the determined Englishman persisted.

But days before his superb racing machine Endeavour left England, its professional crew went on strike for more pay. Sopwith replaced them with amateurs.

The Americans, still feeling the pinch from the Depression, built just one boat, Rainbow.

Mike Vanderbilt had trouble finding money to pay for it, but three of his family were among 18 millionaires who backed the defence.

Endeavour drew first blood, winning the opening race. To prove it was no fluke, the English won the second race.

Sopwith had the cup in his sights until the last beat of race three. Vanderbilt believed that the cup was lost as Rainbow trailed going around the final mark, so he went below for a cup of coffee.

Taking the wheel, crafty helmsman Sherman Hoyt tricked Sopwith into tacking to cover him. Endeavour lost its momentum and Rainbow sneaked by to win.

But the turning point in the series came in race four, when in a luffing incident Sopwith did not hoist his penalty flag in time.

The race committee refused to hear his protest and Rainbow notched up a second win.

Although Sopwith never gave up, the Americans won the next two races to retain the cup.