Historic replica schooner sails into Wrightsville Beach

In the mid-1800s, the British raced boats in the English Channel, and Americans wanted a part in that competition.

Posted 9:07 p.m. Sep 23, 2016 — Updated 10:27 p.m. Sep 24, 2016

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. — In the mid-1800s, the British raced boats in the English Channel, and Americans wanted a part in that competition.

In 1851, the schooner America stunned the world by defeating the British by winning the legendary 50-mile race around the Isle of Wight in the English Channel. America's historic victory and impressive 8-minute margin gave name to one of the oldest, best-known and most prestigious sporting events in the world, the America's Cup.

A modern-day duplicate of America made a special visit to North Carolina, sailing into Wrightsville Beach Friday afternoon as part of an East Coast and Caribbean tour.

"It's pretty awesome," said Ethan Bronski. "I don't think you can get a sailboat bigger than this."

The Carolina Yacht Club is hosting and providing dock space for America. Tours and sailing excursions are open to the public on Friday, Saturday and Monday.

Views and photo opportunities of America from Banks Channel are available by kayak, paddleboard, catamaran, outrigger canoe, sailboat and Cape Fear Naturalist scenic tours, all provided at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort dock.

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