Release of 12mR: An Enduring Legacy

12 Metre Yacht Club Releases 12mR: An Enduring Legacy
A film by Gary Jobson features the 2019 12mR World Championship in Newport, R.I.

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND, USA (March 4, 2021) – The 12 Metre Yacht Club (12MYC) is excited to announce the release of 12mR: An Enduring Legacy.  Filmed during the 2019 12mR World Championship in Newport R.I., highlights include racing footage and competitor interviews paired with the experienced insights of the 12MYC’s Station Steward Gary Jobson who also wrote and narrated this documentary.

From July 8 – 13, 2019, twenty-two 12 metre yachts and more than 300 world-class sailors representing six countries converged on Newport to compete at the 2019 12mR World Championship. “The narrative of this film demonstrates why the people who race 12mRs are so passionate about the yachts,” said Jobson. “The feeling of sailing a twelve upwind connects sailors to the wind and the water in a way that makes you want to come back.”

Enterprise (US-27) and Courageous (US-26) chasing the Grand Prix fleet to weather at the 2019 12mR World Championship in Newport, Rhode Island. ~ photo: SallyAnne Santos

America’s Cup, Olympic and World Champions are attracted to the 12 metres for the elite level of racing, the history of the Class and the raw power of the yachts themselves. For three-time Olympic medalist Jesper Bank who helmed Legacy (KZ-5), the attraction to this regatta was Newport and the 12mR history. His fellow Olympic medalist and Kookaburra II (KA-12) helmsman Torben Grael said: “It’s nice to race boats that were in the Cup…they are still very competitive…with many good sailors.”

An Enduring Legacy co-producer, Jamie Hilton added: “It was important for us to document the once-in-a-lifetime gathering of 12 metres at Newport for the 2019 World Championship. Not only did we want to capture the legendary racing fleet in action, but also the voices of the participants— many of whom had raced on the twelves in America’s Cup competition when it was held in Newport between 1958 and 1983. Both American and international sailors were excited to be in Newport and ecstatic to be back on a 12 metre.”

America’s Cup winning Courageous ’77 tactician Gary Jobson

Reunited aboard Courageous (US-26), three of Ted Turner’s 1977 America’s Cup winning crew — sailmaker Robbie Doyle; bowman LJ Edgecomb and tactician Gary Jobson — remarked on “better-than-original” boat performance throughout the highly-competitive Modern division. Together with Courageous, Newport’s iconic resident 12mRs — Columbia (US-16), Weatherly (US-17), Intrepid (US-22) and Freedom (US-30) boast seven America’s Cup victories among them.

Three “pre-war” twelves — Nyala (US-12), Blue Marlin (FIN-1) and Vema III (N-11) were shipped from Italy, Finland and Norway respectively, to race against the United States’ oldest 12mR Onawa (US-6). American viewers will enjoy seldom-seen footage of these beautiful European wooden twelves sailing in Newport waters. In high-tech contrast, the three “plastic fantastics”— New Zealand (KZ-3), Legacy (KZ-5) and Kiwi Magic (KZ-7) — were together again battling for bragging rights in the Grand Prix division against Kookaburra II (KA-12). Although the competing 12 metres ranged in origin from 1928-1987, every yacht and her crew were ship-shape and fighting fit, each thoroughly prepared for world championship competition.

12MYC Commodore and owner of Challenge XII (KA-10) Jack LeFort is exuberant about the future of the 12 metre class in Newport. “This season we will welcome several new dynamic teams to our world-class racing fleet. And with the 12 Metre World Championship returning to Newport in 2022, we look forward to another highly competitive global event showcasing the legacy of our fantastic 12mR yachts.”

Jack LeFort’s Challenge XII (KA-10) crosses the finish line to capture the 2019 12mR World Championship at Newport.
~ photo: Ian Roman

This summer approximately twenty twelves will compete at the 2021 12 Metre World Championship hosted in Helsinki by Finland’s premier yacht club, the Nyländska Jaktklubben (NJK) from August 12-24, 2021.

Next summer, the 2022 12 Metre World Championship will return to the waters off of Newport, RI, hosted by Ida Lewis Yacht Club (ILYC) from September 19-24, 2022.

Jobson summed it up, “The twelves will continue to thrive long into the future because they are fun and yet challenging boats to sail— the 12 Metre Class is the epitome of what yacht racing is all about.”

Produced by Gary Jobson with Jamie Hilton and Scott Shucher, and made possible by contributions from Jeff Beneville, Peter Gerard, Steven Gewirz, 12MYC Commodore Emeritus James Gubelmann, Art Santry and the 12 Metre Yacht Club Newport Station.

12mR: An Enduring Legacy is “must-see 12 Metre TV.”

JOIN 12MYC |  WATCH NOW  |   SUPPORT

Editors’ Note:
Follow to 12MYC NEWS feed, sign up here: https://12myc.org
To subscribe to 12MYC E-Newsletters, sign up here: https://12myc.org
To receive the 12 Metre Worlds blog, sign up here: https://12mrworlds.com

For more information visit:

12 Metre Yacht Club, Newport Station:
https://12myc.org

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

 

Ida Lewis Yacht Club:
https://ilyc.org

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

 

 

@12_metre_yacht_club

@12MetreYachtClub

@12myc_Newport

(end)

CONTACTS:

Administration & Sponsorship:
12 Metre Yacht Club
Linda Lindquist-Bishop
12myachtclub@gmail.com
+1 312-560-1168

Communications:
International 12 Metre Class
12 Metre Yacht Club
SallyAnne Santos
sallyanne@12metreyachtclub.org
+1 401-847-0112

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

Sail-World features Newport’s 12mR fleet & 2022 Worlds preview

In a new full-length feature by David Schmidt at Sail-World, 12MYC Executive Director and Newport 12mR Fleet Manager, Linda Lindquist-Bishop elaborates on the bright future of Newport’s iconic 12mR fleet including details of the recently announced 2022 12mR World Championship.

“As any student of the America’s Cup well knows, the 12 Metre class has a long and storied history on the waters off of Newport, Rhode Island. Given that the majestic-looking 12s contested the Cup here from 1958-1983, the “City by the Sea” can rightfully be considered one of the class’ spiritual and historic homes, and while the America’s Cup has moved on to considerably newer and faster designs that are currently racing on considerably more antipodean waters, the 12 Metre class is still smitten with beautiful Newport. This was exemplified by the news that the 2022 12 Metre World Championship regatta will be contested on these wind-blessed waters from September 19-24, 2022…” read more

12 Metre World Championship Returns to Newport, Rhode Island in 2022

12 Metre World Championship Returns to Newport, Rhode Island in 2022: Historic America’s Cup Defenders and Iconic Sailing Conditions Converge

Competing yachts gathered dockside at 2019 12 Metre Worlds in Newport, Rhode Island. ~ Photo Credit: Ian Roman

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND, USA (December 2, 2020) – Following the resounding success of the 2019 12mR World Championship held in Newport, R.I., the International Twelve Metre Association (ITMA) has again selected America’s City by the Sea as the venue for the 2022 12mR World Championship. “We expect an enthusiastic response and a strong turnout by our dedicated 12mR fleet members who always relish sailing out of Newport,” said ITMA President Paul Buttrose

Scheduled for September 19-24, 2022, the regatta will be held during the traditional 12 Metre sailing season established during 25 years (1958-1983) of America’s Cup competition in the waters off Newport, RI. Many of the 12s competing were specifically designed for Rhode Island Sound’s early autumn weather conditions. Set against the same backdrop, the 2022 event will re-kindle iconic America’s Cup competition between numerous Auld Mug Defenders including US-16 Columbia (1958), US-17 Weatherly (1962), US-22 Intrepid (1967 & 1970), US-26 Courageous (1974 & 1977) and US-30 Freedom (1980).

2019’s 12mR World Champion (Traditional Division), Columbia (US-16) will defend her title, led by 12 Meter Charters’ owner Kevin Hegarty ~ Photo Credit: Chris Tucker

The 12 Metre Yacht Club Newport Station, the official home of ITMA’s North American 12mR fleet, will coordinate all event activities in partnership with Ida Lewis Yacht Club, repeating their award-winning* Race Management role. Ida Lewis Yacht Club’s current Vice Commodore, Steven MacGillivray said: “Ida Lewis Yacht Club is pleased to be the Organizing Authority for the 2022 12 Metre World Championship. Our Race Committee, Flag Officers and membership look forward to an exciting and fair regatta for all competitors.”

*U.S. Sailing awarded their prestigious St. Petersburg Trophy to the Ida Lewis Yacht Club for excellence in Race Management as voted by 2019 12mR Worlds competitors.

After several changes of ownership throughout the 12mR fleet, a new guard of Modern Division teams will meet on the Worlds racecourse. They include Enterprise (US-27), raced by Peter Askew’s renowned “Wizard” team and Freedom (US-30), now owned by the accomplished “Sled” team’s Takashi Okura. In the Grand Prix Division, 2019 Worlds second and third place winners — Patricio Bertelli’s Kookaburra II (KA-12) and Gunther Buerman’s New Zealand (KZ-3)– will again face-off for the top podium position.

Recent 12mR World Champions expected to defend their titles include 2019 Modern Division winner—Challenge XII (KA-10), owned by Jack LeFort, who also serves as Commodore for the 12 Metre Yacht Club Newport Station. “There is new energy and great momentum building in the 12mR Class,” said LeFort. “In Newport, we are excited to return to the race course to compete with old rivals and new challengers next season and through the 2022 Worlds.”

Enterprise (US-27) and Challenge XII (KA-10) vie for position while Freedom (US-30) nips at their heels during the 2019 12mR World Championship in Newport, R.I. ~ photo credit: Ian Roman

In the interim, all eyes are on Helsinki where the 2021 12mR World Championship will be hosted by Finland’s premier yacht club, the Nyländska Jaktklubben (NJK) from August 12-24, 2021.

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

To subscribe to 12MYC E-Newsletters, sign up here: https://12metreyachtclub.org/

For more information visit:

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

12 Metre Yacht Club, Newport Station:
https://12myc.org

@12_metre_yacht_club

@12MetreYachtClub

@12myc_Newport

Ida Lewis Yacht Club:
https://ilyc.org

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

(end)

CONTACTS:

Administration & Sponsorship:
12 Metre Yacht Club
Linda Lindquist-Bishop
12myachtclub@gmail.com
+1 312-560-1168

Communications:
International 12 Metre Class
12 Metre Yacht Club
SallyAnne Santos
sallyanne@12metreyachtclub.org
+1 401-847-0112

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

#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

Newport Honors 2019 12mR Worlds OA, Ida Lewis YC

NEWPORT, RI: On Monday, August 31 at Ida Lewis Yacht Club (ILYC), members of the 2019 12mR World Championship Organizing Authority were recognized by the City of Newport with a Resolution of the Council, presented by City Councilor, Kate Leonard. In comments made during the presentation, 2019 World Championship Chairman, Peter Gerard credited the 110+ ILYC Volunteers, lead by Jane Beezer and Ted Winston for much of the success of the event.

ILYC Race Committee Chair, William O’Hanley; ILYC Commodore, Simon Davidson; Newport City Councilor, Kate Leonard; 2019 12mR World Championship Chairman, Peter Gerard

City of Newport, Resolution of the Council No. 2020-72

WHEREAS, Newport is called the “Sailing Capital of the World,” and its yacht clubs are recognized as having great economic impact that benefits Newport and its residents; AND

WHEREAS, the Ida Lewis Yacht Club was founded in 1928 on Lime Rock which was originally a working lighthouse teneed by Ida Lewis in Newport Harbor; AND

WHEREAS, on February 6, 2020, aboard the USS Midway in San Diego, the Ida Lewis Yacht Club received the US Sailing’s prestigious St. Petersburg Yacht Club Trophy for Excellence in Race Management during the 2019 12 Metre World Championship Regatta in Newport; AND

WHEREAS, this is the first yacht club on Narragansett Bay selected for this honor in the 33+ year history of the award. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED: that the City of Newport celebrates the Ida Lewis Yacht Club and its members who organized and ran this distinguished 12 Metre World Championship.

A Message from Commodore LeFort

June 12, 2020

Dear 12mR Friends,

12 MYC Commodore &  Americas 12mR Fleet Captain, Jack LeFort

I am excited to announce details of the next chapter of the 12 Metre Yacht Club and Newport’s 12mR Racing fleet!

Over the past 10 months, we have been working behind the scenes to combine the Americas 12mR fleet, formerly managed by Peter Gerard and the 12 Metre Yacht Club, Newport Station, a 501(c3) organization stewarded since 2013 by Commodore Emeritus, James Gubelmann.

Today, we are ready to reveal some of the progress that we have made, most of which may be viewed on our renewed website. As is the case with all sailing organizations, our 2020 racing schedule continues to evolve, but you will always be able to find the most up to date information in the RACING section of our website. Under the SUPPORT US tab you will find the opportunity to join or renew your 12 MYC Membership online.

Also today, we are launching 4 new 12 MYC social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linked-In to join our pre-existing YouTube channel. Going forward we will be posting great content and news throughout and ask that you please “like”, “follow” and “share” our posts to help us grow our 12 Metre Yacht Club, Newport Station community.

The 12mR fleet racing at Newport

Our goal is to get as many 12mRs racing on Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound as possible while making 12mR sailing opportunities known to everyone. Sailing a 12mR at Newport is a truly iconic experience, one that we will be proudly promoting in partnership with our outstanding 12mR charter companies. With your support we will continue the momentum started at the spectacular 2019 World Championship to keep 12mR racing active and vibrant in Newport.

Please “tune-in” to all of our online channels for exciting announcements about new boat owners, programs and activities in the near future.

Let’s go sailing!

Jack LeFort

Commodore, 12MYC Newport
ITMA Vice President, Americas 12mR Fleet