America's Cup Trophy - The 'Auld Mug'

Ray was lucky enough to see the America's Cup trophy in person whilst he was on work experience at Garrard & Co back in 1995.  Garrard & Co craftsman manufactured the cup back in 1848 and it is now the oldest international sporting trophy.  

Since the below photo was taken the trophy has grown in size quite significantly with a whole new silver plinth being added to the bottom to allow enough room for more champions to have their name engraved on it.

​The Cup was badly damaged in an attack in 1997 in New Zealand (click here for more information) and had to be shipped back to the UK for Garrard & Co to carry out the extensive restorations.  It took the silversmiths 3 months and the Cup was then flown back to New Zealand in a first class seat of it's own!