A spectacular racing yacht, VOLUNTEER successfully defended the Americas Cup in New York in 1887 against the challenger THISTLE. Designed by the American master Edward Burgess, VOLUNTEER's unique design proved superior to her competitors, with the white-hulled yacht's innovative bowsprit, which could be retracted or extended for different wind conditions. Built of steel by Pusey & Jones Co. of Wilmington, Delaware, she took only sixty-six days to complete for owner Gen. Charles J. Paine of the New York Yacht Club. She kept competing through each race season up to 1911.