It isn't actually a cup, it is a jug or ewer, and it wasn't actually won by the America, but presented in recognition of a supreme yacht, which sailed the Atlantic and beat all comers, a feat never equalled because, as Bob said, specialist racers beat ocean-going yachts every time.

Nowadays, competitors don't go out in much more than a stiff breeze, and even then they break quite often, once, even into two pieces! Match-racers are the maritime equivalent of dragsters, hugely expensive, highly specialised, and totally bloody useless for anything else.

Rapaire, check out the Volvo round-the-world. I shouldn't think your route is practical for sailing craft, for the fate of Franklin no man can know.