Quick Guide to the America's Cup

The America's Cup season opens in the Mediterranean off Valencia, Spain, with 11 teams from nine countries vying for the right to race against defending champion Alinghi of Switzerland in late June. The 32nd America's Cup regatta is the first ever in Europe. The New York Yacht Club first won the trophy in 1851 in England and defended it successfully for 132 years before Australia II broke the streak in 1983 at Newport, R.I. Subsequent winners took the silver ewer to Fremantle, Australia; San Diego; Auckland, N.Z.; and now Valencia.

GRAPHIC: By Angus Phillips and Tobey; Map by Mary Kate Cannistra, The Washington Post - April 15, 2007

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