Historic Astor Cup: NYC Yacht Racing Legacy

The Astor Cup, captured between 1915 and 1920, is an intriguing piece of sports history. Named after the prominent Astor family, the cup was awarded to the winner of the prestigious New York Yacht Club’s annual race. This image not only showcases the elegance of the trophy itself but reflects the golden age of yachting in America, highlighting a time when sailing was a favored pastime among the affluent.

The photograph, taken by a photographer from the Bain News Service, captures the craftsmanship of the cup, illustrating the meticulous detail that went into its design. This period marked a shift in recreational sailing, as both competition and luxury came together, drawing attention from both the sporting elite and the general public. The Astor Cup remains a symbol of that iconic era in American maritime history.