In 1893 Vigilant successfully defended America's Cup against the British Earl of Dunraven's  challenger, Valkyrie II. This was a best 3 out of 5 match.

Vigilant was designed by Nathanael Herreshoff of Bristol. She was 124 feet in overall length and was the first large yacht to be constructed of Tobin Bronze. Her beam was just over 26 feet and she displaced 96 tons with a total sail area of 11,272 square feet. She carried a crew of 70.

Vigilant won the first two races handily, however in the third race the British yacht was well ahead when she blew out two spinnakers. Vigilant took the lead and in an exciting finish won the race and the cup by a mere 40 seconds.

Nathanael Herreshoff who became known as the Wizard of Bristol, designed the next five America's Cup defenders.