ADMIRAL'S CUP

racing trophy awarded to the winner of a biennial international competition among teams of sailing yachts; it was established in 1957 by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) of Great Britain. Teams of three yachts rated at 25 to 70 feet (8 to 21 m) by RORC rules (formerly 30 to 60 feet [9 to 18 m] waterline length) represent each nation in six races (five until 1987) off the southern coast of England, culminating in the 605-mile (975-kilometre) Fastnet Cup Race. The Admiral's Cup is one of the most prized ocean-racing trophies.