12 meters and the America's cup

The longevity of the 12 meter class is owed in no small part to  Lloyd's scantling rules. They were strict and the boats were indeed inspected for compliance. These boats were overbuilt certainly by today's standards and the result is that they are still here today.
     In fact while I was building "Courageous" at Minneford's Yacht yard one of my jobs was to co ordinate with Lloyds, as we were building the first ever aluminum 12 meter.

Sceptre, K 17 the British challenge 1958

Sceptre, sail number k 17, was the Royal Yacht Squadron's challenger, built in Scotland, designed by David Boyd. launched in April 0f 1958.

Despite her results against Columbia, the American defender, she demonstrated many clever ideas. As is often the case, good ideas are overlooked, regardless of  how good they might be, if the end result is not a winning outcome.

Another example the comes to mind is "Independence" designed in 1901 by B.B. Crowninshield for Thomas W. Lawson. The story is complicated, the point here is that she had many very innovative ideas that were clearly not lost on Nat Herreshoff, as his next design for a defender incorporated these ideas.

Columbia, was better sailed and had better sails

These photographs os "Sceptre" I took in 1975, somewhere along the south coast of England.

The 12 meter era of the America's cup

In September of this year there will be a re-union of the 12 meter crews from the years 1958-1987 . Columbia (US 16 through USA US 61)

26 years ago in 12 meter history

The New York Yacht Club lost the America's Cup 26 years ago this September. Change is always troubling for anyone. I have always regarded this event as: the right thing happened for all the wrong reasons.

Change is inevitable, we all know, but all resist nonetheless. This was one of those occasions. It breathed new life into the Cup life.

12 meter world championship final day

The last day of racing was "outside" in a very shifty day with the wind never more than 8 knots on strength. It proved to be trying for all the teams.

The most fun was the Candy Store Cup in which all the boats started together and raced to the finish off Bannisters Wharf.

12 meter world championship day one

The first day of racing started almost on time, the wind at 6-8 knots at 11 am, building to 15-18 knots in the afternoon with relatively flat seas. The racing was tight, in some cases three boats crossing the line overlapped. Three races were completed, which always makes a race committee happy, creating a cushion in the event of bad weather.

Once more I am indebted to my good friend Jimmy Gubelmann for inviting me out to watch the racing.

12 meter world championship

Tomorrow is the first day of racing for the 2009 world championship for 12 meters. Unfortunately there are no boats from outside the United States; in fact all the boats are from Newport. The 12 meter class is an ISAF class and guided by the regulations of ISAF. It is unfortunate that participation is down,it may give the winner a sense of a hollow victory.

METER CLASSES IN NEWPORT

In September of this year the six metre class will have it's world championship in Newport, RI. Following at the end of the month the twelve metre class will host a commemorative regatta, which will also be the North American championship.

Tim Street, the Six Meter Class president made a presentation along with Toby Rodes owner of a 1928 Fife and David Pedrick, naval architect. I can't wait to see all those six meters in Newport.

Alan Bond Ben Lexen

Recently a posting on Ebay of the deck plan of Courageous reminded me of a past memory. Cowes Week 1975, We had been living in Cowes in an apartment over The Duke of York a pub at the top of the high street. Bob Miller aka Ben Lexen took over our lease. I left for the United States for the Trans-atlantic back to England. Leading up to that however, I spent time with Bob and Jack Knights, another great English sailor.

We went to Speed Week in Weymouth to watch Crossbow and the other rather unique boats try to set speed records across a 500 meter circle.

Upon returning to Cowes, where I sailed Cowes week aboard "Gitana" and the Fastnet on "Guia" Bob Miller and Alan Bond asked me to a meeting. I was being offered the job of building the 1977 challenger for the America's Cup. I was quizzed on how I envisioned the project and finally the question arose; would I bring the plans of Courageous. I had built her the year before at Minneford's in City Island and still possessed a set of plans. When I replied no the meeting was over. Many of my suggestions however were used in the building of Australia.

12 meter North American Championships 2008

September 20-21, 2008 the 12 meter North American Championships were held in Newport,RI. It was the debut for the newly re-fit "Victory 83" which showed great potential.

Courageous won again, as did Hissar, and Weatherly, sailed by Clayton Deutch.

Jack Sutphen's book signing

Jack's book:"Messing About in Boats" was published earlier this year. He was in Newport this weekend for a book signing in conjunction with the 12 Meter North American Championships, at the Seaman's Church Institute. Lots of people turned out. I first met Jack in the 1960's, he was working at Ratsey&Lapthorn sailmakers, as was Arthur Knapp. I raced against him on Long Island Sound.

Jack then showed up in Newport sailing 12 meters. He was very good at making a 12 go fast. He now lives in San Diego, and at 90 is having a great time.

wire sheets

When I started sailing rope sheets and guys were normal. The rope was not very sophisticated, it stretched quite a lot. As the boats became more evolved wire sheets and guys became normal. It was 7x19 galvanized, because it was more flexible. It rusted quickly and broke down just as fast. Your hands were constantly torn by the meathooks.

In the photo at the right, we are sailing Independence off Marblehead in March. It is cold. Ted Hood would just keep sailing in a straight line; often we would not return until after dark. For amusement, we would spray the wire on the drum just before casting off. It would flame, from the friction of the wire slipping on the drum in the tack.

bannister's wharf

In 1977 bannister's wharf was the dock for the Courageous/Independence syndicate. A lift was installed and we alternated boats in the lift.

I arrived early each morning as I was responsible for the mast and other components and left,usually before the sun set, unless we were making a major change. I never understood what the scene was like at The Candy Store and the Black Pearl. My only clue was the overwhelming smell of the garbage that greeted me each morning.

The 12 meter North American Championships are being held this weekend and hosted at Bannister's Wharf.

Olin Stephens 1908-2008

Olin Stephens turned 100 years old in April of this year. He touched so many lives during his lifetime; mentored many many yacht designers, and brought joy to many many yacht owners. The list of his accomplishments is so very long, as well. He designed 7 America's Cup defenders, and was involved in several more.

He is pictured with Alan Hanover, the present owner of "Columbia" the 1958 defender. Alan proudly announced in 2000 that he intended to restore "Columbia" to her original shape, adding approximately 4 feet to the stern . Olin responded quietly:"Why would anyone do such a thing?" After the restoration was complete, Olin conceded that the boat really did look better.I sailed with Olin on a number of boats and our lives crossed for other reasons as well as I lofted and built a number of his designs.

Jim McCurdy is pictured with Olin aboard "Carina" one of Jim's designs, in 1971 in Cowes, England.