Feel the power of this iconic red racer for yourself as you learn its remarkable story.
1964 America’s
Cup Contender
Designed by Bill Luders, American Eagle's original design featured a mast that passed through a raised segment of the deck, gaining extra height, and a reverse transom that reduced stern weight and extended the waterline for faster speed. Despite her sleekness, after winning 20 out of 21 races in the summer trials, she was ultimately defeated in the 1964 America’s Cup Defender series by Constellation.
Owned & Skippered by Ted Turner
American Eagle is best known for her extraordinary history as an offshore racer helmed by Ted Turner. Under his command, American Eagle dominated from 1969 to 1974, setting records in the prestigious S.O.R.C., Fastnet, and Sydney-Hobart racers and winning the first World Ocean Racing Championship. Turner won Yachtsman of the Year twice while skippering American Eagle.
A Standout in Ocean Racing
As the first post-war 12 Meter to be converted to offshore racing, American Eagle had great success, skippered by Ted Turner and later by Warren Brown. Helmed by Brown, American Eagle won major regattas worldwide and crossed the Atlantic several times. She has since been converted back to a traditional 12 Meter, but her power and success are still immediately felt.
US-21 American Eagle
YEAR BUILT: 1964
YACHT DESIGNER: BILL LUDERS
YACHT BUILDER: Luders Marine Construction, Stamford, CT
SYNDICATE: AURORA
Meet American Eagle’s Captain Garrett Carlson
Garrett Carlson grew up in Wisconsin, nowhere near the Great Lakes. The closest he got to the water was bobber fishing and tubing down the Wolf River. After graduating from college, he was looking for any way to travel. He was offered a job on a cruising boat in the Bahamas and has not gotten off the water since. In 2014, he came to Newport, dockwalked, and, luckily, got a job on American Eagle, where he really learned to sail. Garrett spent the next five years sailing 12 Meter yachts in Newport in the summer and in St. Maarten during the winter. He eventually got enough sea time to get his US Captain’s License. When he is not sailing for work, Garett is out sailing and racing for as many different boats as he can get on. Someday, he will find the time to work on his 18-foot catboat, Good Wish.
