#12oftheWeek: Nefertiti (US-19)

Ted Hood sailing his newly launched Nefertiti at Marblehead, MA 1962 ~ photo: by John Osgood

NEFERTITI (US-19) was designed by Frederick “Ted” Hood for the 1962 America’s Cup Defender Trials and built in record time. “Neffy” as she is affectionately known, was launched just 96 days after building plans were delivered to the yard! US-19 was an innovative design featuring the widest beam of any 12 built to that date. She was very fast in strong wind, but unfortunately the ’62 Defender selection finals were raced in light air and Hood’s AC hopes were dashed by Philip Rhodes’ light-air-loving Weatherly (US-17).

In 1967, after some alterations by Hood, she served as the trial horse for Australia’s AC contender Dame Pattie (KA-2). Throughout the intervening years Neffy called Greece, the West Indies, Australia and South Africa home until 1996 when she was purchased by America’s Cup Charters and returned to Newport. Sears Wullschleger owned Nefertiti from 1998-2019, he raced her frequently while she remained in charter service with ACC. Nefertiti, now with 12 Meter Yacht Charters’ fleet, is owned by Jack Klink who raced and chartered her throughout the limited 2020 sailing season

Meet Nefertiti’s new owner (2020) Jack Klinck:
In February 2020, Jack Klinck of Chestnut Hill, MA realized his long-time dream of owning a 12mR when he purchased Nefertiti (US-19). Jack met Kevin Hegarty, owner of 12 Meter Yacht Charters, several years ago when considering the purchase of Columbia (US-16). Although that did not come to pass, the two became fast friends and when the opportunity to acquire Nefertiti came along the friends became partners.

Jack Klinck racing Nefertiti (US-19) at 2020 Herreshoff Classic Yacht Regatta, Bristol, RI ~ photo by: Karen Ryan

As a young boy, Jack first cast-off on an old wooden Sailfish with canvas sails on Lake Dunmore in Middlebury, VT—he told us “once flipped, it was nearly impossible to right!” (The Sailfish was the predecessor of the Sunfish.) Now he is the father of three children who also love sailing. His youngest, Mason served as part-time Neffy crew member last summer and all three will likely fill race team positions in the future.

Jack told us that he feels “honored to be Nefertiti’s steward, a member of Newport’s iconic racing fleet and hopes that his investment will help to secure the legacy and future of the 12mR Class.”

Although the 2020 racing season was limited, Jack enjoyed cruising with his family and competed at the Opera House Cup, the Newport Classic Yacht Regatta and at the Herreshoff Classic Yacht Regatta, where Nefertiti placed 1^st in her class.

Nefertiti (US-19) @ International Twelve Metre Association database

Nefertiti (US-19) @ 12 Metre Yacht Club Registry page

Nefertiti (US-19), photo by: Dan Nerney

 Nefertiti (US-19) sailing at Marblehead, MA in preparation for 1962 America’s Cup Defender Trials, photos by crew alternate John Osgood, provided courtesy of crew member Geoffrey Mason. (Mouse over thumbnails to reveal crew id captions)

L>R Geoffrey Mason, Rick Ledwith, Captain Fred Lawton, Toby Cosgrove (“Sewer Man”)

E. Ross Anderson

Ted Hood

Jon Wales

Nefertiti (US-19), 1962 Marblehead, MA ~ photo by: John Osgood, courtesy: Geoffrey Mason

Jon Wales (#6), Geoffrey Mason (#14), Seymour Comwell (lying down), Rick Ledwith (#5), Toby Cosgrove (#19), Pete Dupont (#8)

John Logan (#4), Rick Ledwith (#5)

L>R: Geoffrey Mason, Dave Smith, Donny McNamara, Toby Cosgrove, Rick Ledwith (white hat), Don Logan, Pete DuPont, Jon Wales

Bruce Hood and Captain Fred Lawton

Toby Cosgrove (facing aft)

L>R: Jon Wales, Dick McNamara, Toby Cosgrove, Ted Hood, Rick Ledwith, Ross Anderson Jr.

L>R: John Wales, Pete DuPont, Toby Cosgrove

Jon Wales

Back row L>R: Geoffrey Mason, Dick McNamara, Toby Cosgrove, Ross Anderson Jr., Pete DupPont, Don McNamara, Ted Hood ~ Front Row L>R: John Osgood, Jon Wales, Don Logan, Rick Ledwith, Charlie Shumway

 Photos by: Dan Nerney

 

#12oftheWeek: Defender (US-33)

Defender (US-33) racing at 1983 America’s Cup Defender Trials, Newport, RI ~ photo courtesy: Brian Melzian

DEFENDER (US-33) was optimistically named “Defender” in anticipation of the role she hoped to play at the competition for the 25^th America’s Cup Races in 1983. Designed by David Pedrick, she was built at Newport Offshore, LTD, in Newport, RI in 1982. Despite being masterfully skippered by Tom Blackaller, she was out-paced by both Liberty (US-40) and Courageous (US-26) in the elimination Trials. After spending the late 1980s-1990s on the West Coast and from 2000-2010 in Florida, she was purchased and given a complete restoration by Dennis Williams. After successful racing seasons in Newport (2015-2017) she was donated to the United States Merchant Marine Academy Sailing Foundation in 2019.

POINT OF INTEREST:  After undergoing a complete refit courtesy of her then-owner Dennis Williams, US-33 took first place in her division at the New York Yacht Club’s 163^rd Annual Regatta Around the Island Race / METREFEST NEWPORT on June 9, 2017. It was her debut return to the racecourse after 23 years!

Defender, 1983 ~ photo courtesy of: Brian Melzian

Defender (US-33) along with her 12mR stablemates, Legacy (KZ-5) and Enterprise (US-27) are owned by the United States Merchant Marine Sailing Foundation (USMMA)– a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering maritime education and training. In addition to providing learning opportunities for students from all walks of life, the USMMA’s Warrior Sailing Program (WSP) introduces wounded, ill, and injured service members to the sport of sailing and sailboat racing. WSP offers the organizational and technical expertise to create opportunities ranging from introductory level sailing through world championship competition. Programming is achieved through partnerships and collaboration within the sailing community, military programs and funding from generous supporters.

The USMMA offers individual seasonal sponsorships of their 12mR yachts to offset maintenance costs and to keep them active on the racecourse. Seasonal 12mR sponsors support the missions of the USMMA and WSP by participating in the stewardship of these iconic 12mRs. For information on a seasonal 12mR sponsorship, please email program director Ralf Steitz or contact him at 516-423-6422.

Defender  (US-33) @ International Twelve Metre Association database

Defender (US-33) @ 12 Metre Yacht Club Registry page

Dennis Williams at the helm of US-33

Dick Enersen and crew raced Defender (US-33) at 12mR World Championship at Newport, RI ~ photo by: Ian Roman

#12oftheWeek: Onawa (US-6)

Earl McMillen’s smiling face graced Onawa (US-6’s) spinnaker while sailing at the America’s Cup Jubilee, Cowes England, 2001; Earl stands below on the foredeck.

ONAWA (US-6) was one of six nearly identical 12mRs designed by W. Starling Burgess and built in 1928 at the Abeking & Rasmussen yard in Lemwerder, Germany. Each was commissioned by a prominent member of the New York Yacht Club. Her original owner was W. Cameron Forbes of Boston who sailed her from a homeport at his family-owned Elizabeth Islands. In 1934, she was purchased by Horace F. Smith of Philadelphia who raced her under the Conanicut Yacht Club burgee. During WWII her keel was claimed by the war effort and repurposed as submarine ballast. Onawa’s fourth owner, Frederic Requardt, Jr. had a new, somewhat primitive keel fitted at the Williams & Manchester Boatyard in Newport, RI. He sailed her for one season in New England before establishing her homeport in Annapolis, MD. In 1953, Ward Bright purchased US-6, changed her name to Horizon, installed an engine and sailed her to St. Croix. Her history through the intervening period is somewhat vague– from 1976-?, while owned by Al Urbelis of New Jersey she was named Lituanica.

Earl McMillen reviews Onawa’s restoration plans with legendary yacht designer Olin Stephens.

In 1989, Onawa was virtually abandoned and derelict when Earl McMillen first saw her in a City Island (Bronx, NY) shipyard. In 1991, she was purchased by Robert H. Tiedemann, Daniel Prentiss and Alfred B. Van Liew II, who returned the boat to Newport and restored its name to Onawa. Unfortunately, that was where the restoration stopped until 1999, when in anticipation of the America’s Cup Jubilee at Cowes, England, McMillen along with partners Elizabeth Meyer, Teddy Turner and Peter DeSavary with the assistance of Michael McCaffrey and Dyer Jones, undertook a full restoration.Onawa was re-launched on June 9, 2001, just in time to be loaded onto the Dockwise ship that transported dozens of U.S. yachts across the Atlantic to the Isle of Wight. While at the Jubilee, US-6 competed among 34 12mRs, at the spectacular, historic event. Thereafter, she returned to sail and race at Newport through 2014, when she was donated to a Block Island charity. In 2018, McMillen Yachts reacquired Onawa with a new syndicate of partners including Chris Culver, Mark Watson and Stephen Gewirz who provided another thorough restoration to with an eye to the 2019 12mR World Championship, where she placed 2nd in her division as well as taking second place at the New York Yacht Club’s 175th Anniversary Regatta.

Onawa  (US-6) @ International Twelve Metre Association database

Onawa (US-6) @ 12 Metre Yacht Club Registry page

Onawa (US-6) 2019 World Championship Team

Onawa (US-6) running downwind at 2019 12mR World Championship, Newport, RI, USA.

#12oftheWeek: American Eagle (US-21)

American Eagle (US-21), 1964 America’s Cup, William S. “Bill” Cox (helm) and Bill Stetson– photo by Stephen Lirakis

AMERICAN EAGLE (US-21) was built by Pierre S. Dupont III’s Aurora Syndicate for the 1964 America’s Cup. With her innovative keel, mast and William S. “Bill” Cox on the helm, American Eagle boasted a 20-1 record versus Columbia (US-16), Nefertiti (US-19), Easterner (US-18) and Constellation (US-20) in the June-July Defender Trials. Ultimately, US-21 was edged out by US-20 in the selection series that featured a 42-tack duel on the last windward leg of the second race.

In a New York Times article published on August 24, 1964, US-21’s  relief helmsman and spokesman, Bill Stetson was quoted: “The harder it blows, the happier we’ll be.”

Ted Turner, 1977

Then would-be American media mogul, Robert E. “Ted” Turner, III— aka “The Mouth from the South” owned American Eagle (US-21) from 1968-1973.  He sailed her with an IOR rating in the world’s most challenging races, winning the Southern Ocean Racing Circuit, the Annapolis-Newport Race, the Sydney Hobart Race and the Fastnet Race. In recent years, Ted Turner has continued to race US-21 in numerous Newport 12mR regattas and attended the 2019 12mR World Championship.

Alexander Valcic, 2020

Meet American Eagle’s new owner (2020) Alexander Valcic: Born on the island nation of Croatia in the Adriatic Sea, Alex started sailing as a teenager and tells us that he learned to swim before he could walk! He considers his ownership of American Eagle (US-21) as both a privilege and a responsibility.

“I think of myself as a steward with a mandate to take good care of American Eagle and to keep her sailing for future generations. I am happy to make US-21 available to the public with 12 Meter Yacht Charters, so that people can experience the excitement of 12 metre racing and I hope also to provide sailing access to underserved youth.” — Alexander Valcic

American Eagle (US-21) @ International Twelve Metre Association database

American Eagle (US-21) @ 12 Metre Yacht Club Registry page

Ted Turner at the helm of American Eagle (US-21) with Gary Jobson and Herb Marshall

America’s Cup Charters Honors Newport’s Own

Submitted by America’s Cup Charters; September 3, 2020
For more information on this event contact Julie Lassy (401) 849-5868

A Sailing Salute to Hometown Heroes

In recognition and appreciation of the workers who have kept the City of Newport thriving during this pandemic, America’s Cup Charters will host a Hometown Heroes Regatta on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, 12:30-4:30pm.

America’s Cup Charters 12 Metre fleet includes Weatherly (US-17), Intrepid (US-22) and Heritage (US-23)

At the beginning of the 2020 season, after over 30 years under the same owners, Jack Curtin took the helm of America’s Cup Charters, right in the midst of the pandemic. Being the owner of Intrepid for more than 20 years, Jack knows the thrill of racing 12 Meters first hand. He wanted to do something to honor the people who have kept Newport a vibrant destination throughout this ordeal so he sent out an invitation to participate in a Hometown Heroes Regatta.

“We’re part of the fabric of Newport’s community of enthusiastic entrepreneurs and we want to do something to acknowledge and appreciate the people that make Newport special. To blend the storied history of our yachts sailing in Newport with the great recent achievements of this group in these challenging moments is only appropriate. It’s our pleasure to donate a special day.”– Jack Curtin

“America’s Cup Charters has historically been involved with nonprofit organizations using their 12 Meter yachts as platforms to aid in various fund raising activities so why not use them to give back to our community. Sail to Prevail, Mystic Seaport, Mass General Hospital, The Nature’s Conservancy and numerous charities involved in the Sag Harbor Charity Cup Challenge have raised substantial funds by orchestrating their own America’s Cup style regatta, using our fleet of classic 12’s.” -Julie Lassy, manager of America’s Cup Charters

The America’s Cup Charters fleet has a storied history with the America’s Cup from the 60’s and 70’s when it was held here in Newport. The America’s Cup is the oldest international sports trophy and was held in Newport from 1930 to 1983. New York Yacht Club’s team, American Magic, hopes to bring the trophy back to Newport by winning the 2021 America’s Cup in New Zealand.

The 1962 Cup winner Weatherly (US-17) designed by Philip Rhodes, has quite a history from when she first competed in the 1958 trials, winning the Cup in 1962 and continuing to compete through 1970. She’s a legend in American sailing. At her helm is Captain Erica Lush, a Jamestowner who’s logged over 40,000 nm offshore including numerous crossings of the Atlantic & Indian Oceans.

The renowned two-time America’s Cup winner Intrepid (US-22), designed by Olin Stephens is a dream for any sailor to have the chance to race aboard. Intrepid is one of the most famous racing yachts of all time. In 1967, skippered by Bus Mosbacher, she completely crushed all competition. In 1970, she was revamped and well sailed by Bill Ficker to win the Cup a second time. At the helm of Intrepid will be Captain Mike Patterson, of Middletown. Mike’s a managing partner of America’s Cup Charters, having been at the helm of Intrepid for over two decades. He’s very active in the 12 Meter class having managed numerous refit projects.

Heritage (US 23), will round out the fleet for this regatta. One of the challengers to Intrepid in 1970, she was designed, built and sailed by Charlie Morgan, and although she had her moments, Heritage was ultimately no match to Intrepid. With her eye-catching varnished hull, Heritage looks and sails like a champion. Shivani Sood is the captain of US-23. Though Captain Sood grew up on the west coast, she’s been sailing the local waters of the east coast for many years, making Newport her home port.

All three of these famous yachts can be seen racing for the Hometown Heroes trophy. The lucky chosen participants will gather socially distanced and masked up at The Newport Harbor Hotel Marina, to draw for their boat and get instruction, then sail out to Narragansett Bay off the shore of Fort Adams for a series of short races.

Lieutenant Amaral of Newport Community Policing Unit said, “Once our officers heard about this community event, they are excited to participate because it has been a very long year for them.”

Spectators are welcome to cheer on their favorite team and view this spirited race from the water, or onshore from Fort Adams and along the Bay.

America’s Cup Charters wishes to thank all the workers in the City of Newport from our retails stores, restaurants, hotels and other local businesses who keep going to make sure our beloved Newport is thriving and healthy.

America’s Cup Charters is following all current safety protocols including thoroughly sanitizing each boat, symptom checking of all guests, social distancing & wearing masks.

#end#

Submitted by America’s Cup Charters; September 3, 2020
For more information on this event contact Julie Lassy (401) 849-5868

8 BELLS: PHIL DYER

May 18, 2020: It is with much sorrow that we share the information below regarding the recent passing of life-long 12mR sailor, Phil Dyer.

It is with great sadness that I pass on the news of the passing of our teammate Phil Dyer. His family history with the Class goes back generations with ownership of a Twelve in the postwar years in England. Phil was a member of the South Australia Team in Fremantle where he met the love of his life Sharon, a member of the America II Team. For many years, Phil has been a key member of the Victory’ 83 team where his good humor and can-do willingness to help whenever possible was always welcome.

PHIL DYER, photo by: Julia Knowlton

The members of the team are saddened by his passing but ever grateful that we got to know him and spend time with Phil, Sharon, James and Tristan. Truly one of the most outstanding individuals we have ever had the pleasure to know and sail with.

Sail on Old Friend, Sail On!

Jim Gretzky
on behalf of the Victory ’83 Team

 

New Organization & Leadership

 

A Message from Jack LeFort, Vice President 12mR North American Fleet

Hello fellow 12 Metre Owners, Crew Members and Enthusiasts!

Jack LeFort

As a young kid watching these magnificent boats race in Narragansett Bay, I never dreamed that one day I would own KA-10 and have the joy of sailing in one of the most revered and iconic classes of this century. The past 3 years have been a blast!

As we move into 2020 and beyond our #1 commitment is to help get as many 12mRs as possible out on the water racing. Before I get into some key changes in the 12 Metre Yacht Club and North American fleet, I want to extend several well earned and sincere THANK YOUs.

First to Commodore James Gubelmann for building and stewarding the 12 Metre Yacht Club. Jimmy’s passion and commitment to 12mR racing here in Newport along with the invaluable talent and depth of knowledge of SallyAnne Santos, has created a communication and social foundation which will help springboard us to the next level of participation and enthusiasm for all things 12mR. We are grateful and enthusiastic that SallyAnne will continue her work with the NA fleet and 12MYC. She is an invaluable asset to our team. Jimmy and SallyAnne, Thank You for all your hard work theses many years with the 12 Metre Yacht Club.

Congratulations to outgoing N. American Fleet Captain, Peter Gerard and his incredible 2019 12mR Worlds committee at Ida Lewis Yacht Club for winning U.S. Sailing’s St. Petersburg Trophy for the best managed regatta of the year! This world-class event set the stage for a fantastic rebirth of the 12s here in Newport. Due to the overwhelming success last year, we are looking to host another World Championship in Newport in the near future. We hope it will be as well attended and fun as the last; way to go Peter and team!

Changing of the Guard:

We are very grateful to Commodore Gubelmann and Fleet Captain Gerard. Both are stepping down from their leadership roles with the 12mR Yacht Club and North American Fleet respectively, but have agreed to ‘stay near’ and ‘help out’ as we transition to a new organization model and management structure. With their departures we have retained a professional fleet manager as is done by other successful, sustainable fleets.

Linda Lindquist-Bishop

Given our vision and plans for the future we feel it is imperative that the North American fleet makes this commitment. So I am thrilled to announce that Linda Lindquist-Bishop has joined us as Fleet Manager and Executive Director of the 12 Metre Yacht Club. Linda represents what is terrific about our sport both on and off the water. She will be combining our fleet racing activities into the 12 Metre Yacht Club, which will bring new focus and opportunities in membership, events, participation and partnerships. Linda is our go to person for all your questions and ideas.I ask you to join us in welcoming Linda to our 12mR community.

2020 Racing and Boats:

The 2020 N. American fleet schedule, found here will feature 4 sanctioned events this season, including our North American Championship in late September. In addition to scoring on a boat-for-boat basis we will introduce a handicap system to give all boats the opportunity to be competitive and have the joy of winning. This handicap system is under development and will continue to be a work in progress. Our goal is to get as many boats on one starting line as possible. We are encouraging increased owner participation in the strategy and management of the fleet as we look to innovate and build on our current base of success.

After chartering a boat for the New York Yacht Club’s 175th Anniversary, we are thrilled to have Mr. Okura and his Sled team join the Newport 12mR fleet. Mr. Okura has purchased Freedom (US-30) and will balance 12mR racing along with his TP52 program in the Med. Mr. Bertelli and his team are currently giving Kookaburra II (KA-12) an upgrade and will be joining us on the water in June. We also welcome new owners to our strong charter fleet, comprised primarily of Traditional division boats; they are the backbone of 12mR experiences here in Newport. If you haven’t yet sailed on a 12, I encourage you to experience a day on the water on these boats. As Brad Read, afterguard crew of New Zealand, KZ-3 said to me once, “There is nothing like sailing these boats to windward in 12 knots– it’s just breathtaking.” A bucket list item for sure!

While we welcome new teams and revitalized programs – our hearts are heavy with the loss of Freedom (US-30) owner, Charles Robertson. Charlie exemplified everything that was good and right about our sport. He gave many sailors their first opportunities to compete in the big leagues; he was passionate about racing and the legacy of 12mR yachts, and he loved each day he spent on the water. Charlie will be greatly missed by all of us.

This is a tremendous building year for our 12mR fleet and community here in Newport!

In closing I want to thank everyone who is part of our history now… and into the future.

Jack LeFort,
Vice President North American Fleet
Owner, Challenge XII (KA-10)

Courageous Wins Inaugural Waypoints Series

A Connection for Historic 12 Metres Around the Globe

Courageous Wins Inaugural ROAD TO THE WORLDS Waypoints Series

NEWPORT, R.I. (August 29, 2019) – In the first-ever ROAD TO THE WORLDS Waypoints Series, it came down to the last day of the last regatta – the 2019 12 Metre World Championship held over July 8-13 in Newport, R.I. – to determine Courageous (US-26) as the overall Series winner. Introduced in 2017 to help build 12 Metre competition in the Northern Europe, Southern Europe and Americas fleets, the WAYPOINTS Series tallied scores posted by 40 12 Metres from nine countries in 28 regattas held in five countries over a period of three years. It awarded points for both participation and performance and the victor’s crown to the team that had accumulated the greatest number of points by the end of the World Championship. As for the secondary focus of the WAYPOINTS Series – to further the recognition of a global collection of heritage 12 Metres and the owners who are working to preserve their histories – it didn’t hurt that Courageous is perhaps the most famous 12 Metre in the universe.

Courageous, an Olin Stephens design launched in 1974, was the first all-aluminum hulled 12 Metre and the second 12 Metre to successfully defend the America’s Cup twice: in 1974, skippered by Ted Hood and, perhaps most famously, in 1977 when Ted Turner defeated Alan Bond’s Australia (KA-5) four races to zero in a best-of-seven series.

Courageous at the 2019 12 Metre Worlds (Photo Credit: Onne van der Wal)

Courageous Crew (Photo Credit: Ian Roman)

“We focused on the Waypoints Series by making sure we had a consistent crew, performing and doing well in as many regattas as possible,” said Courageous co-skipper Ralph Isham, who with fellow Newport co-skipper Alexander Auersperg and crew members Steve Glascock and Ward Marsh formed a syndicate 15 years ago to enter into a long-term lease of the yacht after it was donated to the Museum of Yachting. “It means a great deal to our crew that we performed consistently over many regattas in many conditions…light air, heavy air, varied wind…and with Challenge XII (KA-10) and Victory ’83 (K-22) always nipping at our heels.”

The Courageous syndicate members have been racing 12 Metres since 1999, when they initially gathered to sail Columbia (US-16), the first 12 Metre ever to win the Auld Mug, and prepare for the 2001 America’s Cup Jubilee in Cowes (the only gathering of 12 Metres larger than that at the 2019 12 Metre World Championship). “When we came back from Cowes, we rebuilt Courageous, and we’ve been sailing and working on her ever since,” said Isham, noting that a “total reset” overseen by Naval Architect David Pedrick in 2002/2003 put Courageous into “great shape and progressively made her faster and faster.” (Prior to the 2019 12 Metre World Championship, Naval Architect Jim Taylor collaborated with sailmaker and Courageous crew member Robbie Doyle to make further modifications to her hull, rudder and mast.)

“In the beginning, the boats in the Modern Division (for 12 Metres built between 1967 and 1983) were just us and two others – Intrepid (US-22) and Freedom (US-30) – but after Dennis Williams and Jack LeFort brought Victory ‘83 and Challenge XII to the game, it was very encouraging for other owners who wanted to step up,” said Isham. “We never imagined we’d have eight boats on the line in our Modern Division at the World Championship. It was amazing, a thing of beauty, so stunning to see.”

Top Row: Waypoints Series Perpetual Trophy (Photo Credit: SallyAnne Santos); Courageous syndicate and crew member Ralph Isham (middle) accepts the Waypoints Series vintage keeper trophy at the 2019 12 Metre Worlds (Photo Credit: Ian Roman). Second Row: The crew of Courageous in the cockpit and on the deck (Photo Credit: Onne van der Wal)

Significantly, five of the current crew of 16 aboard Courageous have won the “Auld Mug” at some point in their lives. Robbie Doyle and Gary Jobson, who serve as main trimmer and tactician, respectively, crewed in the same positions aboard Courageous in ’77. Jib trimmer Jon Wright sailed on three America’s Cup winners: Courageous in ’74,  Freedom in ’80 and Stars & Stripes (US-55) in ’87. Navigator LJ Edgcomb crewed on Courageous in ’74 and ’77, and jib trimmer Stu Argo sailed on America³ in ’92.

The crew, which also included America’s Cup veteran Arthur Santry at the helm, contributed immensely to the boat’s impressive performance at the Worlds. Courageous tied on point score for second place with Enterprise (US-27); however, on a tie breaker she had to settle for third. (Jack LeFort’s Challenge XII won and was crowned the World Champion in the Modern Division.)

“We were happy we did well in the Worlds,” said Isham. “Would we like to have won? Sure, but winning the ROAD TO THE WORLDS Waypoints Series was a real sign of achievement for our crew. The series definitely served its purpose of keeping us motivated and connected with 12 Metre fleets around the world.”

The Waypoints Series Perpetual Trophy, donated by 12 Metre Yacht Club Commodore James Gubelmann, depicts the famous schooner America in great detail (both above and below the waterline), as translated by Pairpoint Glass Company.

The next 12 Metre World Championship is scheduled for August 16-23, 2020 in Helsinki, Finland.

 (end)

CONTACTS:
12 Metre Americas Fleet
Peter Gerard
pgerard53@gmail.com
+1 214-244-4955

International 12 Metre Class
SallyAnne Santos
sallyanne@windlasscreative.com
+1 401-847-0112

Media
Media Pro Int’l
Barby MacGowan
Barby.Macgowan@MediaProNewport.com
+1 401-849-0220

Weatherly Wins The Opera House Cup

For: International 12 Metre Assn and 12 Metre Yacht Club, Newport Station

August 21, 2019

By Gary Jobson

Weatherly sailing downwind at the 2019 Opera House Cup, Nantucket, MA. | Photo Courtesy: Karen Ryan Photography

As each classic wooden yacht passes Brant Point Lighthouse at the entrance of Nantucket’s Great Harbor a large crowd of spectators and a fleet of Rainbows watch with intense interest. Every one of the racing yachts has a unique story. For the crews, it’s an uplifting moment as countless pictures are snapped and friendly cheers erupt. This was the scene aboard the 1958 built, successful America’s Cup defender, Weatherly (US-17) on Sunday morning, August 18, 2019. A total of 55 beautiful yachts were headed to sea for the start of the 47th running of The Opera House Cup.

Many great yachts including; Gleam (US-11), Black Watch, Owl, Valiant (US-24), Heritage (US-23), American Eagle (US-21), Brilliant, Escapade, Fortune, and High Cotton have won this prestigious trophy. Weatherly was a co-winner with Heritage in 2001, which seemed like ancient history to Weatherly’s owner, George Hill, and skipper Elliot Gewirtz. I was on board as tactician along with 12 other enthusiastic crew. The anticipation around the waterfront was high, but there was a problem – no wind. This is a rare issue off Nantucket. Only once (in 1988) was a race cancelled due to a lack of wind. Principal Race Officer, Hank Stuart, kept the competitors informed about the ongoing delay. After nearly two hours the wind seemed to fill from the southwest and Stuart commenced the starting sequences for the six classes of yachts.

The wind was light for the first four classes, and they made little progress on the three-leg course. Only three 12 Metres were in Class 3. Weatherly had a one-boat length lead over Valiant skippered by Gary Gregory with tactician, Robbie Doyle. And then a miracle took place.

Seen here crossing the finish line at the recent 12 Metre World Championship in Newport R.I., Onawa (US-6)  finished second overall in the Vintage Division at that regatta. | Photo Courtesy: SallyAnne Santos

Just as Weatherly, Valiant and a 1928 vintage twelve, Onawa (US-6) crossed the starting line the wind filled in at 11 knots. We were sailing fast and rapidly making up time on the boats that had started earlier. George Hill, remarked at that time, “This could be good for the 12 Metre Class.”

Just one year earlier 8 of the top 10 finishers were 26 foot long Alerions, originally built by the great Nathanael Greene Herreshoff in 1912. The name “Alerion” is a tribute to the majestic eagle. All eleven Alerions would finish in the bottom half of the fleet this year, which reaffirms that the wind can be fickle and even capricious at times.

Weatherly slowly gained a length on Valiant as both twelves rolled past Onawa. About half way down the first leg a smaller classic yacht was right in line with Weatherly’s course. The question was whether to try and pass to leeward or to sail over the top. The danger of passing to leeward was getting blanketed by the leading boat while the other problem would be if the leeward boat decided to luff up the windward boat and prevent (or slow) the pass. It was a tough choice. I noticed the skipper of the leading boat continually looking back. I had a gut instinct he was spoiling for a fight. I thought a luffing match would be disastrous and could cause us to lose valuable ground to all our rivals. So, we took the lower course and passed to leeward. Valiant, on the other hand, decided to pass to windward and sure enough the leading boat went into a full luff mode and Valiant was forced off her desired course. From our vantage point it was a thing of beauty to watch as we stretched our small lead to four boat lengths. A few minutes later we heard on the VHF radio that the race committee had hoisted Code Flag Sierra at the first mark, which meant the racecourse was shortened and the race would finish there. Weatherly crossed the line 19 seconds ahead of Valiant and the two 12 Metres ended up first and second in the fleet. Onawa crossed the finish line 3 and half minutes later and placed third in the fleet. It was a good day for the Twelves, a happy moment for Elliot Gewirtz, the incoming commodore of the Great Harbor Yacht Club, and George Hill who now had his first outright victory in The Opera House Cup.

Weatherly’s 2019 Opera House Cup winning skipper Elliot Gewirtz and owner George Hill. | Photo Courtesy: George Hill

“It’s fun when it all comes together”, said George Hill, Weatherly’s owner, skipper and guardian since 1986. “The wind Gods cooperated with the 12mR Class by sending in the SW sea breeze as we approached the starting line. We then got a great start and were able to hold Valiant off as the pressure built into the teens, and before long we were doing mid nines. Gary made the right call in getting separation to leeward from a gaffer that we were passing, while Valiant decided to go above them. We still owe that skipper a beer for taking them up and costing Valiant a couple of boat lengths. Knowing that all the classes that started before us had at least some light NW wind to contend with, I didn’t want to jinx our luck by mentioning that we had a chance at the overall win until late in the race. My biggest worry on that account was actually the schooners, which should have sailed above their ratings with a solid breeze on a reach. We were fortunate that the wind filled in when it did, but I’ve been on the wrong side of that scenario enough times to say “so what? I’ll take the win!”

It has been quite a summer for the 12 Metre Class with 22 of these classics racing in the World Championship in July off Newport, R.I. I am not sure if the sailors who won the America’s Cup aboard Weatherly in 1962 ever imagined their yacht would be still be competitive 57 years later, but it is a tribute to the enduring legacy of these special yachts.