In 1851 the yacht America arrived in Cowes and issued a challenge to race, which was not accepted by anybody. Two weeks later Lord Wilton who was Commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron invited The Yacht America to take part in The Round the Island Race for the 100 Guinea Cup. This has been drunk and enjoyed by Prince Phillip.

Together with Xavier Baker, Ventnor Brewery's Head Brewer, and Fred Martin they developed a special recipe and process by which real oysters are infused together with the brew to create a rich beer with the sweetness of an English stout but the silky smoothness of an Irish stout.