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Reminiscing “Freedom”: a 12 Metre Classic

  • By Herb McCormick
  • January 2, 2024

12 Metre Freedom

Forty years ago this past September, in the waters of Rhode Island Sound just off the coastal city of Newport, a crew of Aussies shocked the sailing world. The 12 Metre Australia II defeated the American boat Liberty to win the 1983 America’s Cup and bring the New York Yacht Club’s 132-year defense of the Auld Mug to a conclusion. It’s safe to say the Cup, and my hometown of Newport, have never been the same.

I spent a lot of time on the sound that summer taking in the action, so when I signed up to volunteer on a marshal boat for the latest edition of the 12 Metre World Championship regatta in August, I found myself on the very same waters, which turned into a pretty nostalgic voyage down a nautical memory lane. But the graceful Twelve I couldn’t take my eyes off wasn’t the winner of the Modern Division, Challenge XII , or even the victor of the Traditional/Vintage Division, Columbia . Nope, I was more or less transfixed on the runner-up to Challenge XII , a striking-blue yacht called Freedom . Of all the entries in the 10-boat fleet, to me, Freedom was easily the most historic and memorable.

Three years before the Australians absconded with the Cup, in 1980, with the estimable Dennis Conner in command, Freedom won the contest in dominant fashion, and it seemed like the New York Yacht Club’s winning streak would go on forever. It was designed by the legendary naval architecture firm Sparkman & Stephens, which had drawn the lines of every Cup winner but one since 1936. Conner was back on the helm in the losing effort in ’83, but he would find redemption, winning the Cup back for the United States in Western Australia in 1987. But for S&S, Freedom marked the end of an illustrious era. The firm would never again create a Cup winner.

For the 12 Metre Worlds, ironically enough, the navigator aboard Freedom was a lanky old Aussie mate of mine called Grant Simmer, who’d served in the same capacity aboard Australia II for his country’s winning effort way back when. With the exception of the gray hair, he looked exactly the same.

This time, however, Simmer couldn’t work his magic. Unlike the America’s Cup, where boats compete in one-on-one match racing, the World Championship event is fleet racing, with everyone out on the track at the same time. It’s a different game. And Challenge XII had a ringer of its own: the president of North Sails, Ken Read, also a longtime America’s Cup veteran. As far as I was concerned, Freedom was easily the prettiest of all the Modern yachts. When push came to shove, though, it was no longer the fastest.

Today’s America’s Cup competition, conducted on closed-course race tracks in skittish foiling catamarans—about as far removed as possible from a stately 12 Metre racing in the open ocean—bears little resemblance to what the event looked like in the early 1980s. And Newport has undergone a radical makeover as well. The shipyards where the Cup boats used to reside between races have been replaced by condos and hotels, and the only real remaining trace of the America’s Cup is the boulevard of the same name. It’s a reminder that the only true constant in life is change.

But for a few afternoons last August, I could shut my eyes for a moment of reminiscence and open them up to see what I can only describe as a fleeting image of a bygone time. Freedom may be a footnote in the history of yacht racing, but the big, beautiful blue boat still looks powerful and fantastic all the same.

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12 meter sailboat

12 Metre Worlds

Official website of the International Twelve Metre Class World Championships

2024 12MR WORLDS: Race Results, June 21

Editors’ Note: To receive the 12 Metre Worlds blog, sign up here: https://12mRworlds.com

2024 12 Metre World Championship, Porquerolles, France

CONTACTS: Bernard Minvielle , ITMA Vice President, Southern European fleet;  Aurélie Lhuillier , Porquerolles YC; SallyAnne Santos , International 12mR Class (ITMA) Communications Director

2024 12MR WORLDS: Race Results, June 21

🇮🇹

#12mRWorlds2024, #12mRClass

12 meter sailboat

Stay tuned… Official Notice Board: https://www.racingrulesofsailing.org/documents/7391/event

Subscribe to this blog and follow our social media channels below to stay in the know about 12mR World Championship news.

NOTE: Google Translate function for entire site is found in footer

Support for the 2024 International World Championship has been provided by our

12 meter sailboat

The 2024 12 Metre World Championship is sanctioned by the International Twelve Metre Association (ITMA) and hosted by the Porquerolles Yacht Club with the Yacht Club de France.

Yacht Club de Porquerolles

THE YACHT CLUB de PORQUEROLLES celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2016. Its founding President Sébastien Le Ber and his friends, passionate about sailing, created the Yacht Club in 1986 with a view to making the most of the magnificent body of water which surrounds Porquerolles.

Yacht Club de France

THE YACHT CLUB DE FRANCE, founded in 1867, remains faithful to its vocation: to contribute to the development of pleasure boating in all its forms; in cruises and in racing, defend and promote the values of solidarity, courtesy and moral elegance that animate all seafarers. Recognized as a public utility on the eve of the Great War, the Yacht Club de France is proud to have counted among its members Jules Verne, Virginie Hériot, Alain Gerbault, Commander Charcot, Marin-Marie, Eric Tabarly. Respect traditions, bring together the sailors of tomorrow.

Coupe de France

THE COUPE DE FRANCE by YACHT CLUB DE FRANCE was created in 1891 to develop the building of racing vessels in France. For its 55th edition, the challenge reunites the 12mR Class for twelve events throughout the Mediterranean Sea.

International Twelve Metre Association

THE INTERNATIONAL 12 METRE ASSOCIATION encompasses a living history of racing yacht design by the world’s foremost naval architects including Olin Stephens, Clinton Crane, William Fife III, Philip Rhodes, Johan Anker, Ben Lexcen and more who pushed their designs to the very limits of innovation. The resulting boats represented the pinnacle of yacht development from 1907-1987 for the highest levels of international sailing competition– the Olympic Games (1908-1920) and the America’s Cup (1958-1987).

Administration: 12mR Fleet, S. Europe Bernard Minvielle [email protected] +33 611 19 00 95

Press Inquires: YC de Porquerolles Aurélie Lhuillier [email protected] +33 (0)4 94 58 34 49

Communications Director: International 12 Metre Class SallyAnne Santos [email protected] +1 917-330-1730

Quicklinks:

12mR Worlds Official: https://12mrworlds.com

Porquerolles YC: https://yachtclubporquerolles.fr

Coupe de France: https://coupedefrance.org

International Twelve Metre Association: https://12mrclass.com

12mR Worlds Facebook: @12MetreWorldChampionship

ITMA Facebook: @12mRClass

12mR Worlds Instagram @12mRWorldChampionship

ITMA Instagram: @12metreclass

ITMA YouTube: @International12mR

#12mRClass, #12mRWorlds2024, #YachtClubdeFrance, #CoupedeFrance, #InternationalTwelveMetreAssociation, #PorquerollesFrance

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2024 12mr worlds: nous sommes prêts, 2024 12mr world championship: nous sommes prêts.

PORQUEROLLES, FRANCE (June 14, 2024) – Sixteen of the most beautiful and storied International 12Metre Class yachts are now assembled in the harbor at the Yacht Club Porquerolles. Fourteen are ready to race at the 12 Metre World Championship organized by the Yacht Club de Porquerolles on an island just south of Hyères, France, from June 17-23, 2024.

The “rockstar” roll call of 2024 competitors includes previous and reigning World and European Champions, Olympic Medalists and America’s Cup sailors. The yachts themselves, each with a distinctive pedigree, are sailing legends in their own right.

Aurélie Lhuillier, Director of the Yacht Club de Porquerolles said, “It is a great pride for the Yacht Club de Porquerolles to host the 12m JI World Championship. We look forward to seeing all these exceptional boats moored in the port and then watching them race for five days in the Hyères harbor. For over a year, all the Yacht Club teams have been mobilized for this event which will be the highlight of the 2024 season.”

Because of the diversity in age and design of 100+ 12mR yachts built to the International Rule since 1907, the 12mR Class designates a separate World Champion in each of four 12mR Divisions. At this event World Champions will be named in the Grand Prix and Vintage Divisions with trophies awarded to the top 3 finishers in each group.

12 meter sailboat

The 2024 12mR World Championship Competitors in the VINTAGE Division are:

  • Flica II (K-14) , Christopher Bunning, BVI
  • Jenetta (K-1) , Thomas Müller, DE
  • La Spina (I-1) , Michael Creach, IT
  • Nini Anker (N-15) , Christopher Avenarius, DE
  • Northern Light (US-14) , Hans Eliasson, SW
  • Thea (D-1) , Robert de Haer, DE
  • Vim (US-15) , Patrick Howaldt, DN & Helmuth Henning, HK

12 meter sailboat

With a number of exceptions, the VINTAGE Division yachts are centered primarily in ITMA’s Northern European region where they are frequent rivals on the 12mR race course. Over the past two decades, this fleet has enjoyed a renaissance in the Baltic Sea. Despite their ages –the eldest, D-1 is 106 years old– these yachts are in top racing trim in addition to being beautiful to behold. Vim (US-15) is the reigning World Champion (Finland, 2021) in this division but will be met with fierce opposition in a fleet stacked with very competitive teams.

“The waters of the Bay of Hyeres in Southern France will see 6 Grand Prix 12 Metres racing for their Divisional World Championship. This is the largest group of Grand Prix boats racing in many years. The resurgence of the class racing in the Med is truly spectacular. The Grand Prix boats will be joined by one Modern 12 and a highly motivated and competitive fleet of Vintage boats. Sunny skies, great 12 Metre racing and island life on Porquerolles sound good to me.” Chris Winter, President, International 12mR Association

The 2024 12mR World Championship Competitors in the GRAND PRIX Division are:

12 meter sailboat

  • Crusader (K-24) , Richard Matthews, UK
  • France (F-1) *, Marc Bonduelle, FR
  • French Kiss (F-7) , Christophe Babule, FR
  • Kiwi Magic (KZ-7) , Christoffer Blach Petersen, DN
  • Kookaburra II (KA-12) , Patrizio Bertelli, IT & Torben Grael, BR
  • Kookaburra III (KA-15) , Jesper Banks, DN
  • South Australia (KA-8) , Yann DelPlace, FR

*Being built for the 1970 America’s Cup, the national racing yacht of our host country France (F-1) is technically a member of the MODERN 12mR Division but as there are no other entries in this division, F-1 will sail with the GRAND PRIX Division on this auspicious occasion.

12 meter sailboat

Although Legacy (KZ-5), the reigning World Champion in the GP Division will not be competing, the Olympian sailor that helmed KZ-5 to victory– Jesper Banks (DN) will be. He is skippering another 12mR– Kookaburra III (KA-15) to defend his own GP champion title in a group stacked with world-class sailors including Patrizio Bertelli’s (IT) Kookaburra II (KA-12), skippered by Torben Grael, who sailed a perfect regatta sweeping all five races at the recent Pre-Worlds at St. Tropez. We expect “feathers to fly” when the two Kooka’s — KA-12 and KA-15, former Aussie stablemates — meet at Porquerolles. Watch for the the most closely contested 12mR Grand Prix World Championship in recent history.

Click for a complete list of 2024 12mR World Championship Competitor profiles.

In the 2-year Coupe de France Series the first 2 regattas of the 2024 season are now in the books and reflected in the updated standings below.

12 meter sailboat

Porquerolles Preview

If past is prologue, the 2024 12mR World Championship to be organized by the Yacht Club de Porquerolles (Hyères, FRA) from June 16-24 will be truly spectacular! Recently six twelve metres built between 1929- 1986 representing a 57-year cross-section of 12mR development experienced the glorious sailing conditions and onshore hospitality of the venue. They were, Vintage: La Spina (I-1) ; Traditional: Ikra (K-3) ; Modern: France (F-1) ; and Grand Prix: South Australia (KA-8) , French Kiss (F-7) and Kiwi Magic (KZ-7) .

Sailing conditions were perfect with 8- 14 knots wind, air temperature 24°c and fantastic coastal scenery. Porquerolles is beautiful island 5 nm south of Hyères. It is a tourist attraction like Skagen in Denmark, Marstrand in Sweden and the Cape Cod area of the US. With only 200 year-round inhabitants, the island hosts up to 10,000 visitors on a summer day. It is a little paradise, known for the most sun hours in Cote D’Azur. The marina is huge and offers plenty of space for a regatta fleet of 70 boats. The little city is charming with small restaurants around the Square. The organizers were very good, everything worked out well including the social activities. It is a superb place for the Worlds in 2024, and we can highly recommend other 12mRs to come – you will love it! Johan Blach Petersen, Kiwi Magic (KZ-7)

Calling All 12mRs to the Med!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: SallyAnne Santos , ITMA Communications Director, +1 917-330-1730

International 12 Metre Association

Calling All Twelve Metres to the Mediterranean!

A message from itma president, chris winter and yacht club de france president, philippe héral:.

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND, USA (June 6, 2023)

Please see the correspondence below from ITMA President, Chris Winter and Philippe Héral, President of the Yacht Club de France to the 12mR fleet worldwide.. It contains an invitation to all Twelve Metres to gather together in the Med to participate at the 55th Coupe de France regatta series and the Puig Vela Classica Barcelona and 12 Metre Reunion, AC Edition .

ITMA President Chris Winter added: “”This is an extraordinary time of rebuilding for the Twelve Metre Class worldwide, particularly in our Southern European fleet. We hope that you will share our excitement and join us in the Med for the exceptional series of events being planned over the next two seasons.”

CoupedeFranceLetter-030323

For more information on the Series, please visit: CoupedeFrance.org

ABOUT THE 55th COUPE DE FRANCE

Coupe de France

The   Yacht Club de France (YCF)   has announced a series of races for 12mR yachts throughout the 2023-24 sailing seasons; the winner will be awarded one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious yachting trophies; the spectacular  Coupe de France . Participating host yacht clubs along the glamorous Riviera– including Cannes, Porquerolles, Saint Tropez, Touloun, Hyères and Barcelona– will organize a comprehensive schedule of events featuring 40 days of racing, social events and festive celebrations for the 500+ crew members expected to compete. In 2023,  the Series will include events in both Europe and the United States  (Newport, RI) before moving exclusively to the Med in 2024 leading up to the 12mR World Championship at Porquerolles.

ABOUT THE YACHT CLUB DE FRANCE

Yacht Club de France

Founded in 1867, the YC de France has been the Club of 100s of both famous and accomplished sailors including Virginie Hériot, Jean-Baptiste Charcot and Eric Tabarly. With its’ partner Clubs throughout the country, the YC de France represents a strong regatta organizing power in France.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL 12 METRE ASSOCIATION (ITMA)

International 12 Metre Association

The 112 year-old International 12 Metre Class encompasses a living history of racing yacht design by the world’s foremost naval architects including Olin Stephens, Clinton Crane, William Fife III, Philip Rhodes, Johan Anker, Ben Lexcen and more who pushed their designs to the very limits of innovation. The resulting boats represented the pinnacle of yacht development from 1907-1987 for the highest levels of international sailing competition– the Olympic Games (1908-1920) and the America’s Cup (1958-1987).

QUICKLINKS:

International 12mR Association (ITMA) https://12mrclass.com

#12mRClass, #12mRWorlds2024 , #CoupedeFrance

55th Coupe de France

Yacht club de france to award most prestigious trophy to 12mr winner.

Coupe de France

The Yacht Club de France (YCF) has announced a series of races for 12mR yachts throughout the 2023-24 sailing seasons; the winner will be awarded one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious yachting trophies; the spectacular Coupe de France .

Participating host yacht clubs along the glamorous Riviera– including Cannes, Porquerolles, Saint Tropez, Touloun, Hyères and Barcelona– will organize a comprehensive schedule of events featuring 40 days of racing, social events and festive celebrations for the 500+ crew members expected to compete. This season, the Series will include events in both Europe and the United States (Newport, RI) before moving exclusively to the Med in 2024 leading up to the 12mR World Championship at Porquerolles.

A British team sailing at Cannes was the first to claim the impressive silver cup in 1898. Since then, the Coupe de France has been awarded to teams from Italy, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Australia and France. 12mR sailors from all of these nations plus Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, New Zealand, Spain and the United States will compete for the privilege of raising this revered trophy in victory.

Learn more about the Series at the dedicated website: CoupedeFrance.org

Coupe de France

ABOUT THE YACHT CLUB DE FRANCE: Founded in 1867, the YC de France has been the Club of 100s of both famous and accomplished sailors including Virginie Hériot, Jean-Baptiste Charcot and Eric Tabarly. With its’ partner Clubs throughout the country, the YC de France represents a strong regatta organizing power in France. Southern European Fleet

12 meter sailboat

ABOUT THE SOUTHERN EUROPEAN 12 METRE FLEET: Sailing primarily in the Mediterranean Sea, this fleet includes yachts in France, Italy, Turkey and Portugal and also includes Oceania. Southern European Fleet

12 meter sailboat

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL 12 METRE ASSOCIATION (ITMA): The 112 year-old International 12 Metre Class encompasses a living history of racing yacht design by the world’s foremost naval architects including Olin Stephens, Clinton Crane, William Fife III, Johan Anker, Alfred Mylne, Charles E. Nicholson, Philip Rhodes, Ben Lexcen and more who pushed their designs to the very limits of innovation. The resulting boats represented the pinnacle of yacht development from 1907-1987 for the highest levels of international sailing competition– the Olympic Games (1908-1920) and the America’s Cup (1958-1987). To learn more, visit 12mRClass.com

Bernard Minivielle SallyAnne Santos

2024 12mR WORLD CHAMPIONS: NORTHERN LIGHT (US-14) AND KOOKABURRA II (KA-12)

2024 12mr world champions: northern light (us-14) and kookaburra ii (ka-12).

PORQUEROLLES, FRANCE (June 22, 2024) –Fourteen International 12Metre Class yachts raced at the 12 Metre World Championship organized by the Yacht Club de Porquerolles on an island just south of Hyères, France this week.

12 meter sailboat

Although a strong mistral (22-36 knots) prevented racing today; the required six races were completed and the 2024 12mR World Champions have been named in the Vintage and Grand Prix Divisions– they are Northern Light (US-14) and Kookaburra II (KA-12) .

“ Despite challenging weather conditions, the Race Committee did a superb job. Even with two “no sail” days; they were able to run the necessary six races needed to qualify the 12mR World Championship. ” ~ Chris Winter, ITMA President

In the closely contested Vintage Division, Hans Eliasson’s (SW) Northern Light (US-14) , skippered by Magnus Holmberg scored just 9pts. to edge out Thomas Müller’s (DE) Jenetta (K-1) and Christoph Avenarius’ (DE) Nini Anker (N-15) who claimed 2nd and 3rd place with 10pts. and 11pts. respectively.

12 meter sailboat

“ We are very proud to be world champions! When we bought the boat five years ago, our goal was to win the 2024 world championship and it’s done here in Porquerolles, we’re really happy. ” ~ Hans Eliasson, owner Northern Light (US-14)

12 meter sailboat

The 2024 12mR World Championship Competitors in the VINTAGE Division were:

In the Grand Prix Division; Patrizio Bertelli’s (IT) Kookaburra II (KA-12) , skippered by Torben Grael (BR) sailed away with the 12mR Grand Prix Division Championship by winning all six of the races. Kiwi Magic (KZ-7) and French Kiss (F-7) finished in 2nd and 3rd place; moving both up in the Coupe de France Series leaderboard.

12 meter sailboat

“ This victory is the result of a lot of work by the team. We prepared, had good sails, and thanks to Mr. Bertelli we had an outstanding crew. It was great to sail with my friend Santi (Santigo Lange) for the first time, my great friend Marcelo (Marcelo Ferreira) who was my teammate for 25 years and my son too, it was a great experience for us. ” ~ Torben Grael (BR), skipper, Kookaburra II (KA-12).

12 meter sailboat

The 2024 12mR World Championship Competitors in the GRAND PRIX Division were:

“ It is a great pride for the Porquerolles Yacht Club to have hosted the 12m JI world championship. The line-up was exceptional with the presence of legendary sailors. The races were intense, with difficult weather conditions for everyone. We are very lucky to have an extraordinary team of volunteers at the club, nothing would be possible without them! “ ~ Aurélie Lhuillier, Director of the Porquerolles Yacht Club.

Act II of the Coupe de France Series is now complete and reflected in the updated standings below. A disappointing performance at the Worlds by Coupe de France front-runner Vim (US-15) enabled 2nd place Kiwi Magic (KZ-7) and 3rd place French Kiss (F-7) to narrow the gap in the overall standings. The third and final Act III commences on September 4 at a special 12mR Regatta hosted by the RCNB at the Barcelona (SP) America’s Cup venue.

12 meter sailboat

2024 12MR WORLDS: Race Results, June 20

2024 12mr worlds: race results, june 20.

After 3 races today, 4 races of the 2024 12mR World Championship are now complete…

12 meter sailboat

2024 12MR WORLDS: Race Results, June 19

2024 12mr worlds: race results, june 19.

Race One of the 2024 12mR World Championship is in the books! There will no further racing today due to continuing blustery conditions.

12 meter sailboat

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INTERNATIONAL 12 METRE ASSOCIATION

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American Eagle, US-21

American Eagle, US-21, photo by SallyAnne Santos

Built in 1964 according to the International Third Rule- America’s Cup.

1964 – 1968 Aurora Syndicate (Pierre S. Dupont III) – American Eagle – home port: New York, NY (USA).

The name is that of the sailing ship on which the first Dupont arrived in the USA. Built for the 1964 America’s Cup campaign, her keel was quite innovative from conventional Twelve lines and her mast passed through a raised section in the deck (known as “Mount Luders”) gaining an extra few inches in height. She ran off a 20-1 record in the June-July trials raced by Columbia , Nefertiti , Easterner , American Eagle and Constellation . American Eagle , helmsman William S. “Bill” Cox, bested all of the other boats, only to be overtaken by Constellation in a selection series still renowned for a 42-tack duel on the final windward leg of the second race. In 1964 she won the Lipton Memorial Trophy (NYYC).

1968 Firwood Investment, Ltd. (Herbert P. Wahl) – new name: Golden Eagle . The new Canadian owner paid $ 60,000 to the syndicate and commissioned Luders to create a new interior and deck layout. When the boat was to return to Canada, the Canadian customs taxed her for replacement value, not for the market value adding a total of $ 155,000 for duty and other taxes, forcing the owner to sell her to Ted Turner.

1968 – 1973 Robert E. “Ted” Turner, III – new name: American Eagle . Trial-horse Gretel II for the 1970 America’s Cup. Converted to IOR. Engine installed in 1968. She entered the most challenging races in the world, winning the Southern Ocean Racing Circuit, the Annapolis-Newport Race, the Sydney Hobart Race and the Fastnet Race.

1974 – 1983 Warren A. Brown – new name: War Baby – homeport: Hamilton, Bermuda.

1983 – 1987 American Eagle Syndicate – homeport: Annapolis, MD (USA).

Since 1987 American Eagle, Inc. (W. Herbert Marshall, II) – homeport: Barnstable, MA and Newport, RI (USA).

1987 – 2019 Together with Weatherly , Nefertiti and Intrepid she was part of America’s Cup Charters fleet

2020 American Eagle was purchased by Alexander Valcic and joined 12mR Yacht Charters fleet.

America’s Cup Results: 1964 19th America’s Cup Challenge, American Eagle (skipper: William S.”Bill” Cox) vs. Constellation (skipper: Bob Beavier) – 1-4.

World Championships Results:

2001 in Cowes (America’s Cup Jubilee): fifth in the Classic division

2005 in Newport: second in the Traditional division

2009 in Newport: winner in the Traditional division

2019 in Newport,  second in the Traditional division

Jump to Twelve Metre Yacht Club, Newport Station Fleet page for American Eagle ( US-21)

Bill Cox with Bill Stetson at helm, photo by Stephen Lirakis

Sail Number US-21
International Rule THIRD Rule-AC
Year Built 1964
Designer A.E. Luders, Jr.
Builder Luders Marine Construction Co.
Hull ID Number 1043
First Owner Aurora Syndicate, Pierre S. Dupont III
First Name American Eagle
First Sail Number US-21
First Country USA
Original Homeport New York, NY
Other Names Golden Eagle, War Baby
Current Status / Condition sailing
Current Owner Alexander Valcic
Current Location Newport, RI
Website
Current Division Traditional
Construction Double-planked Mahogany, White Oak frames
Length Overall 20.32 m.
Length Waterline 14.02 m.
Beam 3.81 m.
Draft 2.74 m.
Sail Area 178 sq. m.
Displacement 27.35 t.

COMMENTS

  1. 12 Metre - Wikipedia

    The 12 Metre class is a rating class for racing sailboats that are designed to the International rule. It enables fair competition between boats that rate in the class whilst retaining the freedom to experiment with the details of their designs.

  2. 12 Metre Yacht database – INTERNATIONAL 12 METRE ASSOCIATION

    The 115 year-old International 12 Metre Class encompasses a living history of racing yacht design by the world’s foremost naval architects including Olin Stephens, Clinton Crane, William Fife III, Philip Rhodes, Johan Anker, Ben Lexcen and more who pushed their designs to the very limits of innovation. The resulting boats represented the ...

  3. INTERNATIONAL 12 METRE ASSOCIATION – The 115 year-old ...

    Learn about the 115 year-old International 12 Metre Class, a living history of racing yacht design by the world’s foremost naval architects. Explore the three fleets worldwide and the official team shop for custom 12mR branded gear.

  4. List of 12-metre yachts - Wikipedia

    Challenge 12: Ben Lexcen: Steve E. Ward & Co. AUS 11: KA–11: 1985: Kookaburra: Iain Murray & John Swarbrick: Parry Boat Builder [6] AUS 12: KA–12: 1985: Kookaburra II: Iain Murray & John Swarbrick: Parry Boat Builder [7] AUS 14: KA–14: 1986: Steak 'n' Kidney: Peter Cole: Consolidated Marine [7] AUS 15: KA–15: 1986: Kookaburra III: Iain ...

  5. Reminiscing "Freedom": a 12 Metre Classic | Yachting

    Freedom may be a footnote in the history of yacht racing, but the big, beautiful blue boat still looks powerful and fantastic all the same. "Freedom" is a Sparkman & Stephens-designed, 12-meter sailing yacht that won the America's Cup in 1980 for the New York Yacht Club.

  6. The 12 Metre Courageous is For Sale - Soundings Online

    Courageous, the 12 Metre that won the America’s Cup in 1974 and 1977 and one of only three boats to win the Auld Mug twice, is for sale. Launched in 1974, Courageous was designed by Sparkman & Stephens and built at Minneford Yacht Yard.

  7. History of 12 Meter Racing — 12 Meter Yacht Charters

    Over a dozen America’s Cup 12 Metres are home ported in Newport, RI and are available for charter through 12 Meter Charters. These sleek racing beauties were designed to sail off the coast of Newport, RI – come sail with us on a piece of America’s Cup racing history!

  8. 12 Metre Worlds – Official website of the International ...

    THE INTERNATIONAL 12 METRE ASSOCIATION encompasses a living history of racing yacht design by the world’s foremost naval architects including Olin Stephens, Clinton Crane, William Fife III, Philip Rhodes, Johan Anker, Ben Lexcen and more who pushed their designs to the very limits of innovation.

  9. American Eagle, US-21 – INTERNATIONAL 12 METRE ASSOCIATION

    The resulting boats represented the pinnacle of yacht development from 1907-1987 for the highest levels of international sailing competition– the Olympic Games (1908-1920) and the America’s Cup (1958-1987).

  10. International Twelve Metre Association - YouTube

    The resulting boats represented the pinnacle of yacht development from 1907-1987 for the highest levels of international sailing competition– the Olympic Games (1908-1920) and the America’s...