On October 15, 2025: Free Presentation - Sandy Hook and America Cup Races

Races ran from Highland Beach, the Navesink Highlands,
and the New Jersey shore, ranging down to Long Branch

Photo Credit: Navesink Maritime Heritage Association

By Frank Smith

RED BANK, NJ: Navesink Maritime Heritage Association is pleased to announce its first Fall presentation in 2025 to be held at Bahrs Landing Restaurant, Highlands, NJ.

Between 1870 and 1920, thirteen America’s Cup races were held in Lower New York Bay and off Sandy Hook. 

Beginning in 1893, six of these races were contested over courses using a start/finish line at the Sandy Hook Light Ship, approximately 6 miles due east of Sandy Hook. 

It is these 6 races that will be recalled by Frank Smith in the evening’s discussion, as well as anecdotes that involve Highland Beach, the Navesink Highlands, and the New Jersey shore, ranging down to Long Branch. 

Frank Smith will touch on these drama-filled races and how technology and other advances over the past three decades changed how the sport was viewed and experienced by lovers of these epic contests.

Frank Smith is a grand nephew of William Sandlass, the proprietor of the Highland Beach Resort and amusement area that was located on Sandy Hook in the late 19th century.

What: Sandy Hook and America Cup Races Presentation (Free)

Where: Bahrs Landing Restaurant, 2 Bay Ave., Highlands 

When: Wednesday, October 15

Time: 7:00pm (6:30pm: Coffee

This is an In-Person event and to register, click HERE.

Original article appeared in: Tap into Red Bank on 11 October 2025