Sparrowhawk on the Horizon

"If you choose not to fight, consider yourself beaten"

It is the 1850's. Britannia rules the waves and the Great Exhibition seems to flaunt the Empire's superiority to the World. Until news reaches Britain of a new invention: an American yacht rumoured to be faster than anything built in the Old World.

Two men, divided by an ocean, yet united by their desire for glory, are determined to see a race between the American vessel and a British rival. But will the British sailing gentry oblige – or will they refuse to race the upstart newcomer?

This is a story about transatlantic rivalry, Victorian snobbery and great sportsmanship. It is the story of the world's oldest international sporting trophy: the America's Cup.

Recent endorsements:

Tucker Thompson, Public Host 35th America's Cup

"I loved the book and really enjoyed reading it. It is very well written and I am grateful to have a copy particularly as a relative of George Lee Schuyler one of the owners of AMERICA."

Steve Mair, Commodore Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (current holders of the America's Cup)

"What a great story! Fantastic read and a great backdrop to the event in Bermuda. The richness and depth of the tale is one that sets the tone for the following 34 America's Cup challenges. The attitude in 1851 from the Americans shows significant similarities to New Zealand's involvement over the last 30 years – to prove that a fledgling nation can foot it, and beat, the might of the defenders. A must read for anyone even remotely interested in the America's Cup".

Rupert Paget, descendent first Marquess of Anglesey who donated the £100 Cup in 1851 to the Royal Yacht Squadron (that subsequently became the America's Cup)

"A very clever combination of fact and fiction. The fact being the £100 Cup (later the 'America's Cup') of 1851, the fiction being the tale of 2 men who become involved, one from New York and one from London Life in squalid Victorian London and less squalid rural England depicted brilliantly and convincingly. This is a character led story with a good plot, often difficult to find. Would love to say more but don't want to spoil it. Highly recommended. Looking forward to the next volume."

© 2018 AMES Publishing Limited (Ebook): 9781999828226

Release date

Ebook: 24 May 2018