Ranger was launched on May 11, 1937, after Sir T.O.M. Sopwith announced that he would build Endeavour II to challenge for the America's Cup. Though Ranger did not have much time after her launching to work up to the trial races for defense of the Cup, she still won, defeating Endeavour II with a score of 4-0. Ranger won almost every race in the Defender work up series and Defender selection series, proving consecutively that she was the fastest of all the American yachts. She has been referred to as the “Super J” since her defense of the Cup.

Ranger raced a total of 37 times, and only two boats ever crossed the finish line before her: Yankee twice, and Endeavour once. After the America's Cup, she raced 13 times, finishing first 12 times, and second once behind Yankee. She was not only the greatest of the J Class yachts, but the last built of the J Class of the 1930s.

Harold Stirling Vanderbilt, who funded the construction of Ranger, explained that she behaved differently than all the other J Class boats that he had helmed. Ranger was slow to tack as she had more inertia holding her way longer, thus the need to steer harder to help tack. However, she was able to pick up speed very quickly, compensating for this failing. When sailing close to the wind or on a reach, Ranger seemed to dig in to the water and then shoot off. This allowed the hull to use the whole of its waterline to express the boat's potential for speed to the fullest. When sailing close-hauled and with the centerboard down, Ranger offered exceptional stability. These advances, when combined, are the reason for her excellent performance.

With the Ranger wooden yacht model, one can almost hear the roar of the ocean waves. It is an exact replica of the original, handmade with vigilance, from the very first to the last step. Master craftsmen diligently carve high quality mahogany to create the boat's form. After it is sanded and puttied, skilled artists paint on the intricate details. Hand-casted resin and handmade metal parts also constitute the model. Clear lacquer provides the finishing touch and long-lasting protection. Each yacht comes on a a display base with brass pedestals and a brass name plate. All items then undergo quality control and are delivered to eagerly waiting customers in protective double-lined boxes with high density foam. More than just a display piece, the Ranger yacht model is a work of art.