premier annual motorboat-racing prize in the United States, instituted by the American Power Boat Association in 1904. The first race for the cup was held on the Hudson River and was won by C.C. Riotte's Standard with the fastest heat of 23.6 miles (38 km) per hour. The winning boats since 1911 have been hydroplanes, usually of unlimited engine displacement. The Gold Cup is one of a series of unlimited hydroplane races sponsored annually by the American Power Boat Association and culminating with the award of a national championship.