Rare Old America’s Cup Map by Clegg, 1934: Yacht Race, Newport, Martha's Vineyard, Endeavour vs. Rainbow

The Fifteenth International Challenge for the America's Cup, 1934, created by the esteemed mapmaker Ernest Clegg, is a stunning pictorial and nautical map that captures the excitement and grandeur of the 1934 America's Cup yacht races. This map is not just a navigational tool but a work of art that showcases the waters off the coasts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, where the prestigious race took place. The decorative rope-form border and intricate illustrations make this map a visually captivating piece, while the detailed annotations provide rich historical context.

At the heart of the map is a decorative fan-like rendering of the compass directions from the starting buoy, within ten-mile and fifteen-mile circles. This central feature not only serves as a navigational aid but also adds a dynamic visual element to the map. Surrounding this are detailed illustrations of the competing yachts, including Endeavour, the 1934 challenger, and Rainbow, the defender, with the iconic Schooner America depicted prominently. These illustrations are accompanied by explanatory notes and the flags of the respective yachts, adding layers of historical and competitive context.

The map also includes a “History of the Races for the America's Cup,” listing past participants and results, as well as a “History of the Schooner ‘America.’” These historical annotations provide a comprehensive overview of the America's Cup's storied past, making this map not only a navigational tool but also a valuable historical document. The inclusion of these histories adds depth and context, making the map a treasure trove of information for yachting enthusiasts and historians alike.

Ernest Clegg's attention to detail and artistic flair are evident in every aspect of this map. Known for his detailed and artistic map designs, Clegg has created a piece that is both informative and aesthetically pleasing. The nautical rope border, the detailed compass rose, and the meticulous illustrations of the yachts all showcase Clegg's exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to his art. This map is a testament to Clegg's ability to blend functionality with beauty, making it a prized possession for any collector.

In addition to its visual appeal, the map provides practical information for navigators, including soundings (water depths) and other navigational aids. The coastal outlines of Rhode Island and Massachusetts are depicted with precision, highlighting key locations such as Newport and Martha's Vineyard. This combination of practical navigational information and rich historical context makes the Fifteenth International Challenge for the America's Cup, 1934, a unique and invaluable piece for anyone with an interest in maritime history and cartography.

Notable places on this map

• Towns and harbors:
• Newport, Rhode Island
• Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
• Islands:
• Block Island
• Water bodies:
• Buzzards Bay
• Navigational aids:
• Compass directions from the starting buoy
• Ten-mile and fifteen-mile circles indicating race boundaries
• Structures:
• Illustrations of competing yachts and their flags
• Topographical features:
• Coastal outlines of Rhode Island and Massachusetts
• Historical annotations:
• History of the Schooner America
• History of the races for the America's Cup

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Geographical area shown:
• Coastal waters of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including specific areas like Newport and Martha's Vineyard.
• Historical, political, or geographical context:
• The map highlights the significance of the America's Cup yacht races in maritime history.
• It depicts the specific routes and starting points used in the 1934 races.
• Other interesting features:
• Detailed illustrations of the competing yachts, Endeavour and Rainbow.
• Historical notes on the Schooner America and previous America's Cup races.
• Decorative elements like the nautical rope border and compass rose.
• Annotations providing context and history of the America's Cup.
• Soundings (water depths) and navigational aids like the compass rose.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Fifteenth International Challenge for the America's Cup, 1934
• Extra notes:
• The map is a pictorial representation of the 1934 America's Cup yacht races.
• It includes a nautical rope-form decorative border.
• It showcases the waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the coasts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, the location of the race.
• The upper portion features a decorative fan-like rendering of the compass directions from the starting buoy, within a ten-mile circle and a fifteen-mile circle.
• The cartouche includes images of previous America's Cup yachts and their flags, accompanied by explanatory notes.
• It features images of Endeavour, the 1934 challenger, and Rainbow, the defender, with the Schooner America depicted in the middle.
• The map provides a “History of the Races for the America's Cup,” listing past participants and results, as well as a “History of the Schooner ‘America.’”
• Ernest Clegg issued a limited edition of this print, slightly larger in size and signed by him.
• Date of creation: 1934
• Mapmaker or publisher: Ernest Clegg
• Ernest Clegg was known for his detailed and artistic map designs.
• Topics and themes:
• Nautical and maritime themes, focusing on the America's Cup yacht races.
• Historical context of the America's Cup and its participants.
• Design or style:
• The map has a decorative, pictorial style with nautical elements.
• It includes a detailed compass rose and historical annotations.
• Historical significance:
• The map commemorates the Fifteenth International Challenge for the America's Cup, a significant event in yachting history.
• It provides historical insights into past races and participants.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

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My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.