It took place in New York Harbor and consisted of a best-of-five series of races between the defender Resolute, entered by a syndicate of New York Yacht Club members headed by Henry Walters[citation needed], and Shamrock IV, the fourth in Sir Thomas Lipton's line of Cup challengers.

The 1920 America's Cup was originally scheduled to take place in 1914 but was postponed upon the outbreak of World War I.

[1] Following his unsuccessful Cup challenge in 1903, Lipton, founder of the Lipton tea company, attempted to persuade the NYYC to adopt new rules of measurement for America's Cup yachts that would reduce their cost, which was widely seen to be a result of the Seawanhaka rule then used by the club.

[3] The races were suspended as World War I broke out and did not resume until 1920, at which point Resolute again secured her place as defender in trials against Vanitie.

[4][5] During the first race, Shamrock IV crossed the line ahead of the start, having to circle back around and provide an early lead to Resolute.