2023 12 Metre World Championship: The Next Big Thing

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Barby MacGowan, Media Pro International, +1 (401) 849-0220 or Peggy Hersam, 12 Metre Yacht Club, +1 (203) 807-1066

12 Metre World Championship: The Next Big Thing

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND, USA (May 15, 2023)– NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND, USA (May 14, 2023) – Less than three months away and on the heels of the Ocean Race stopover, the 2023 12mR World Championship will be the next world sailing competition in Newport, R.I. Sanctioned by the International Twelve Metre Association and hosted by the 12 Metre Yacht Club Newport Station in partnership with Organizing Authority Ida Lewis Yacht Club, the event is scheduled for July 30-August 5 and will see ten or more historic 12 Metres sailing on Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound. The participating teams will hail from as far away as Japan and as close as Newport, which has become a universal hub for 12 Metre sailing and home to many 12 Metres in the Americas Fleet as a result of the America’s Cup contested here in 12 Metres between 1958 and 1983.

Freedom (US-33) and Challenge XII (KA-10) will compete in the 2023 12mR World Championship this summer. Photo Credit: Daniel Forster

Recent developments include the announcement that Oakcliff Sailing will campaign for the Worlds aboard Courageous (US-26), recently acquired by Kimbra and Mark Walter (Chicago, Ill./Los Angeles, Calif.) and famous for being one of only two Twelves to win the America’s Cup twice. The Courageous team will be comprised of young, diverse sailors selected from Oakcliff’s Acorn and Sapling training programs.

“This will be a bit of a David-and-Goliath situation with our young, aspiring sailors racing 12 Metres against the best of the best from around the world,” said Oakcliff Executive Director Dawn Riley, who is a member of the America’s Cup Hall of Fame and will helm the boat. “Most of our sailors and some of their parents were not even alive the last time this class competed for the America’s Cup.”

Nevertheless, the team has a fighting chance based on the skills and teamwork sure to be derived from Oakcliff’s high-performance training programs. Located on the North Shore of Long Island in Oyster Bay, the organization is devoted to raising the caliber of sailing in the U.S. and is an official training center of the US Sailing Team, 11th Hour Racing, NYYC American Magic, IYRS, and the World Match Racing Tour.

Like many of the 12 Metres coming to Newport for the Worlds, Courageous will compete in two class-sanctioned regattas: the New York Yacht Club Annual Regatta, June 9-11 and the Sail Newport Regatta, July 8-9 (serving as the 12 Metre Pre-Worlds).

Practicing last week on Narragansett Bay was Japan’s Takashi Okura and his highly competitive international team aboard Freedom (US-30). They will be up against packed talent in the Modern Division aboard the aforementioned Courageous (US-26); Defender (US-33), skippered by veteran 12 Metre sailor Andy Rose (Newport Beach, Calif.); Enterprise (US-27), skippered by renowned racer Peter Askew (Key Largo, Fla.); and Challenge XII (KA-10), skippered by 2019 12 Metre World Champion Jack LeFort (Winter Park, Fla./Jamestown, R.I.) with local sailing celebrity/champion Ken Read aboard.

Other teams competing in the Worlds are returning 2019 World Champion Columbia (US-16), American Eagle (US-21), Nefertiti (US-19), Weatherly (US-17), and Onawa (US-6).

The 12 Metre Worlds will be headquartered at the International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) where the 12 Metres will be berthed throughout the event. The public can see the boats at IYRS from the water and will be able to view the 12 Metres during the Parade of Sail through Newport Harbor, which will take place Saturday, August 5 at 10:00 AM. The 12 Metre Yacht Club will further involve the community through its partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rhode Island (BGCRI). Kids from BCGRI and local students involved in the Sail Newport educational program will ride aboard the Twelves in the Parade.

Closer on the horizon is a special “Golden Age of 12 Metres in the America’s Cup” program, scheduled for June 8 and hosted by the America’s Cup Hall of Fame at The Sailing Museum in downtown Newport. This ticketed event will relive the excitement and glamour of one of the most exhilarating periods in America’s Cup history. With many 12 Metre luminaries expected to attend, it will be emceed by Hall of Famer Gary Jobson, a renowned commentator who won the America’s Cup in 1974 as crew aboard Courageous (with Ted Hood skippering) and again in 1977 as tactician (with Ted Turner skippering). The celebration of 12 Metres will continue at a 12 Metre Legends party on July 30 at the Clarke Cooke House. Hosted by the 12 Metre Yacht Club and the America’s Cup Hall of Fame/Herreshoff Museum, this event officially kicks off the Worlds.

Making the 12 Metre Worlds possible are sponsors Audrain Hospitality; Edge Realty; Flux Marine; Gill Marine; Grand Banks Marine Group; Hammetts Hotel; Lemon & Line; North Sails; Pallas Capital Advisors; PKF O’Connor Davies; Seabags; and Starkweather & Shepley Insurance.

Spectator and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Peggy Hersam, 12 Metre Yacht Club Executive Director, 12myachtclub@gmail.com, +1 (203) 807-1066. Notice of Race and other race information available at http://www.12mrworlds.com.

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International Twelve Metre Association

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, 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).

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CONTACTS:

Administration & Sponsorship:
12 Metre Yacht Club
Peggy Hersam
12myachtclub@gmail.com
+1 (203) 807-1066

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

Communications Director:
International 12 Metre Assocation
SallyAnne Santos
ITMAcommunications@gmail.com
+1 917-330-1730


Quicklinks:

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

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

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

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


social:

12mR Worlds Official Facebook:
@12MetreWorldChampionship

12mR Worlds Instagram
@12mRWorldChampionship

12MYC Instagram: @12_metre_yacht_club

12MYC Facebook: @12MetreYachtClub

12MYC Twitter: @12myc_Newport

ITMA Instagram:
@12metreclass

ITMA Facebook:
@12mRClass


hashtags:

#12mRClass, #12mRWorlds, #202312mRWorldsNewport, #12MYC, #InternationalTwelveMetreAssociation, #12mR, #12Meter, 12Metre, #NewportRI


OAKCLIFF TRAINEES TO RACE HISTORIC 12 METRE COURAGEOUS (US-26) IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

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

2032 12mR World Championship, Newport, RI

OAKCLIFF TRAINEES TO RACE HISTORIC 12 METRE COURAGEOUS (US-26) IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

OAKCLIFF SAILING logo

OYSTER BAY, NY, USA (March 23, 2023)– Oakcliff Sailing will campaign the historic 12 Metre Courageous (US-26) for the 2023 World Championship in Newport, RI, Oakcliff executive director Dawn Riley announced today. The boat will be raced by a young and diverse team of sailors selected from Oakcliff’s Acorn and Sapling training programs.

“This will be a bit of a David-and-Goliath situation with our young, aspiring sailors racing 12 Metres against the best of the best from around the world,” said Riley, a dual hall-of-famer. “Most of our sailors and some of their parents were not even alive the last time this class competed for the America’s Cup.” 12 Metres were used from 1958 to 1987.

Iconic two-time America's Cup winning Twelve Metre yacht Courageous (US-26) racing to weather on Narragansett Bay.  photo by: SallyAnne Santos, (c)2015 Windlass Creative
Iconic two-time America’s Cup winning Twelve Metre yacht Courageous (US-26) racing to weather on Narragansett Bay. photo: SallyAnne Santos, (c)2015 WindlassCreative

Courageous (US-26) has meant so much to the American sailing community and to Newport in particular,” said Kimbra Walter, who with her husband Mark owns Courageous and will provide support for the forthcoming campaign. “We feel a responsibility to use Courageous’ next chapter to help the world of sailing gain a wider and more diverse following. We want to offer more young women and people from every background the opportunity to experience the joy of sailing—and to be able to turn it into a profession. We’re grateful to be working toward this alongside Dawn Riley, a legend in the sport and a model for our efforts.”

Courageous (US-26) won the America’s Cup in 1974 with Ted Hood and Dennis Connor on board and again in 1977 skippered by Ted Turner with Gary Jobson as tactician, becoming the second and last boat to successfully defend the Cup. Jobson has agreed to share his experience and insight with the Oakcliff team this summer. Courageous also holds a prominent place in The Sailing Museum and the America’s Cup Hall of Fame in Newport.

“Having this team onboard Courageous will do so much to continue to move the conversation forward and break new ground in ethnic and gender diversity” said Heather Rusham, executive director of The Sailing Museum. She added, “We look forward to working with Oakcliff and the Walters to showcase what is possible to all visitors and members of our community.”

2023 12mR World Championship Registration and Race Documents including the Notice of Race can be found here.

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OAKCLIFF SAILING logo

ABOUT OAKCLIFF

Oakcliff is located in Oyster Bay, New York and is a workforce training center for those wishing to explore a professional career in the sport of sailing and the associated marine industry. Need-based scholarships are available. An additional America True Scholarship is reserved for sailors from community sailing programs. More than 90% of Oakcliff graduates are employed, and many are leaders in their field, playing roles in the America’s Cup, preparing for the Olympics or racing around the world.


Applications are open for Oakcliff’s Acorn and Sapling training programs, which are open to anyone 15 or older with an interest in sailing. To learn more about the Oakcliff programs or to apply, visit https://www.oakcliffsailing.org/programs/acorn-programs or call (516) 802-0368.


International Twelve Metre Association

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, 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:

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

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

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

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


social:

12mR Worlds Official Facebook:
@12MetreWorldChampionship

12mR Worlds Instagram
@12mRWorldChampionship

12MYC Instagram: @12_metre_yacht_club

12MYC Facebook: @12MetreYachtClub

12MYC Twitter: @12myc_Newport

ITMA Instagram:
@12metreclass

ITMA Facebook:
@12mRClass


hashtags:

#12mRClass, #12mRWorlds, #202312mRWorldsNewport, #12MYC, #InternationalTwelveMetreAssociation, #12mR, #12Meter, 12Metre, #NewportRI


12 Metre World Championship Scheduled for Newport, Rhode Island in 2023

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Barby MacGowan, Media Pro International, +1 (401) 849-0220 or Peggy Hersam, 12 Metre Yacht Club, +1 (203) 807-1066

Legendary SAilboats Tied to America’s Cup Will Provide Spectacular Racing

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND, USA (December 8, 2022)– Next summer in Newport, R.I., an exciting schedule of competitive sailing will be punctuated by the 2023 12mR World Championship, an International Twelve Metre Association (ITMA) event organized by the 12 Metre Yacht Club Newport Station (official home of ITMA’s Americas 12mR fleet) in partnership with Organizing Authority Ida Lewis Yacht Club. With racing set to take place July 31-August 5, an international fleet of 12 Metres will converge on Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound much as they did in the years between 1958 and 1983 when many of these awe-inspiring sailboats competed here for a chance to become a contender in the renowned America’s Cup and, more recently, when they vied for class titles at their 2019 12mR Worlds. (The most recent 12mR World Championship was held in 2021 in Helsinki, Finland.)

2019 12mR World Champion (Traditional Division) Columbia (US-16) will compete in the 2023 12mR World Championship set for next summer. Photo Credit: Chris Tucker

“It’s very special that this event is returning to Newport, especially because of the rich history this city shares with the America’s Cup,” said Peggy Hersam, Executive Director of the 12 Metre Yacht Club Newport Station. “A large concentration of 12 Metres, many of which have ties to the Cup, make their home in Newport; however, the fleet is worldwide and going strong. It will be amazing for visitors and locals alike to encounter these iconic boats tuning up for and competing in this most important event.”

Leading up to the 2023 Worlds, the fleet will be busy racing a full schedule of regattas and practices out of Newport, including two class-sanctioned regattas, the New York Yacht Club Annual Regatta, June 9-11 and the Sail Newport Regatta, July 7-9 (serving as the 12 Metre Pre-Worlds). The fleet will be divided into five divisions — Grand Prix, Modern, Traditional, Vintage, and “Spirit of Tradition”— and have healthy representation in each, including returning 2019 World Champions Columbia (US-16, Traditional Division) and Challenge XII (KA-10, Modern Division). Other teams expected to compete include America II (US-42), America II (US-46), American Eagle (US-21), Courageous (US-26), Defender (US-33), Enterprise (US-27), Freedom (US-30), Gleam (US-11), Intrepid (US-22), Nefertiti (US-19), Onawa (US-6), and Weatherly (US-17).

Weatherly’s owner/skipper Steve Eddleston, who also serves as Commodore of the 12 Metre Yacht Club Newport Station, said his work will be cut out for him. “It’s always exhilarating to be out on the water with our beautiful boat and our skilled and determined team sailing against other world famous 12 Metre yachts of such historic distinction,” said Eddleston. “To paraphrase John F. Kennedy from 60 years ago when he spoke in Newport about the America’s Cup duel between Weatherly and Gretel, ‘We are most certainly racing against each other, but we are also racing with each other against the wind and the sea.’ Nothing comes close to competing in a 12 Metre World event!”

Enterprise (US-27) and 2019 12mR World Champion (Modern Division) 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. All three 12 Metres will be returning to Newport for the upcoming 2023 Worlds. Photo Credit: Ian Roman

A base camp for the teams during the five days of Worlds competition will be established at the International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS). Organizing Authority Ida Lewis Yacht Club will provide another stellar Race Committee and support volunteers for a variety of posts during the regatta, while a cadre of all-star international judges will fly in for this prestigious event.

Social events are planned for every evening of the Worlds, including the Opening Ceremonies, a ‘Legends’ Dinner at the Clarke Cooke House, post-racing socials, and an Awards Gala at IYRS. The 12 Metre Yacht Club will further involve the community through its partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rhode Island, giving underserved children a chance to learn about the boats, their history, and the crews and science that drive them.

Spectator and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Peggy Hersam, 12 Metre Yacht Club Executive Director, 12myachtclub@gmail.com, +1 (203) 807-1066.

Registration and Race Documents including the Notice or Race can be found here.

Competing 12 Metres gather dockside at the 2019 12 Metre Worlds in Newport, R.I. Photo Credit: Ian Roman

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CONTACTS:

Administration & Sponsorship:
12 Metre Yacht Club
Peggy Hersam
12myachtclub@gmail.com
+1 (203) 807-1066

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

Communications Director:
International 12 Metre Assocation
SallyAnne Santos
ITMAcommunications@gmail.com
+1 917-330-1730


Quicklinks:

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

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

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

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


social:

12mR Worlds Official Facebook:
@12MetreWorldChampionship

12mR Worlds Instagram
@12mRWorldChampionship

12MYC Instagram: @12_metre_yacht_club

12MYC Facebook: @12MetreYachtClub

12MYC Twitter: @12myc_Newport

ITMA Instagram:
@12metreclass

ITMA Facebook:
@12mRClass


hashtags:

#12mRClass, #12mRWorlds, #202312mRWorldsNewport, #12MYC, #InternationalTwelveMetreAssociation, #12mR, #12Meter, 12Metre, #NewportRI


International Twelve Metre Association

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, 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).

Day 5: VIM Crowned 12mR World Champion

2021 12 Metre World Championship, Helsinki Finland

Editors’ Note:

Media Outlets, please email request for high-res images
To receive the 12 Metre Worlds blog, sign up here

Nyländska Jaktklubben

2021 Evli 12 Metre World Championship

VIM Crowned 12mR World Champion;

Hometown Helsinki Team Blue Marlin Captures Second

VIM (US-15) crosses the final finish line to claim the 2021 Evli 12mR World Championship title in Helsinki, FI

HELSINKI, FI (August 21, 2021) – All nine of the Vintage 12mR fleet competing at the 2021 Evli 12mR World Championship returned to the race course this morning after an evening of cooperation between crews to repair damages sustained during Friday’s heavy-weather sailing. A true testament to the durability of Vintage 12mR yachts and of the commitment shown by those who care for and sail these historic racing boats.

Race One today– sixth in the now completed seven-race 2021 Evli 12mR World Championship series hosted by Nyländska Jaktklubben, NJK –started at 10:05 EEST, south of Isossari Island in 4-6 knots of breeze from the WSW (240 °) and calm seas. Wings (K-15) took an early lead but was passed by Vim (US-15) on the first upwind leg. Blue Marlin (FIN-1) benefited from a wind shift that found her in first place around the weather mark followed by Vim who subsequently overtook her on the downwind leg. Meanwhile Nini Anker (K-14) had gybed to the right side of the course and squeezed out Vim for the first-place finish, Vim and Blue Marlin finished in second and third places respectively.

After completing Race One in a dying breeze, NJK’s Race Committee hoisted the AP flag indicating a delay until sufficient wind was established and the course could be properly adjusted— one final test of patience for the ready-to-race crews.

August 21, Day Five photos by Erik Lähteenmäki | Sailpix.fi

<click on any image to view full size>

Race Two got underway at 13:20 EEST in 8 knots of wind, this final contest now being watched by a fleet of more than 60 spectator boats. The 12mRs did not disappoint; an exciting start and close racing with multiple crossing tacks, gybes and lead changes added to the exciting finale of the epic week-long series. After yesterday’s disappointing breakdown Wings (K-15) redeemed her turbulent week with a first-place finish in the last race, crossing line just ahead of the new 2021 12mR World Champion Vim (US-15).

In the overall standings of the 7 race series (with one toss-out), the top three teams are Vim (US-15) with 8 points, followed by Blue Marlin (FIN-1) with 18 points and Flica II (K-14) in third place with 22 points.

Tonight, the crews will enjoy a lavish gala prize-giving ceremony at Restaurant Pörssi. More information and additional photos will follow with a wrap-up report from Helsinki tomorrow.

RESULTS

2021 12 Metre Worlds
Day 5 (August 21) 2 Races

12mR – Vintage (9  Boats)

1. Vim (US-15), Helmuth Henning, Patrick Howaldt & Ditley Wedell Wedellsborg, Copenhagen, DK: (3) – 1  -1  -1  -1 -2 -2 ;  8

2. Blue Marlin (FIN-1), Henrik Andersin, Kotka, FI: 1 – 4 – 2 – 2 – (RET 10) – 4 -5 ; 18

3. Flica II (K-14), Alexander Falk, Hamburg, DE:  2 – 5 – 5 – 3 – 2  -5 -(6); 22

4. Jenetta (K-1), Thomas Müller, Flensburg, DE: 5 – 2 – 4 – RDG-3.7 – RDG-3.7 – 6 -(7); 24.4

5.  Nini Anker (N-15), Christoph Avenarius, Hamburg, DE: 4 – 6 – 3 – (RET 10)- DNS 10 – 1 – 3;  27

6. Wings of Cowes (K-15), Philipp Skafte-Holm, Copenhagen, DK (with Finnish & Danish crew): 7 – 3 – (RET-10) – DNS 10 – DNS-10 – 3 – 1; 34

7. Vanity V (K-5), Mikael Stelander,  Helsinki, FI:  6 – 7 – 6 – (DSQ 10) – 4 – 7 – 4; 34

8 Vema III (N-11), Johan Troye, Oslo, Norway, NOR: (9) – 9 – 7 – 4 – 3 – 8-DNF – 8 ; 40

9. Thea (D-1), Jacob Holst, Copenhagen, DK: 8 – 8 – 8 – 5 (10-DNS) – 8-DNF – 8; 45

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Competitors List here

Presenting SponsorEVLI Bank

The 2021 Evli 12 Metre World Championship is presented by EVLI Bank, an investment management firm headquartered in Helsinki, Finland.

Supporting Day Sponsors are: Baltic Yachts, Keisari, Normet, Red Sky Yachts, Roschier, Scandic and Stanton Chase.

Additional Products & Service Providers include: Brandscape, Delicatessen, Fazer, Fiskars Group, Helsinki Helsingfors, Interbrands, Järvikylän, Jouko Lindgren, Kruunu Herkku, NOHO Nordic Hospitality Partners, North Sails, Sassan Ruokakassi, Suomen Jäätelö, Veikko Laine, Villi, and Windlass Creative

More About Our Partners

ABOUT NYLÄNDSKA JAKTKLUBBEN (NJK) 
Founded in 1861, the Nyländska Jaktklubben, NJK is Finland’s premier yacht club as well as its oldest registered sports organization. NJK has been the forerunner of Finnish yacht racing culture and has a long history with the Metre Classes. The Clubhouse, located on the beautiful island of Blekholmen is situated in Helsinki’s South Harbour, adjacent to the city center with berths for 125 yachts. NJK accommodates their 2500+ members, berths 440 sailing yachts, 90 dinghies and 374 motorboats at their two main harbours in Helsinki as well as at an additional 10 outstations in the Finnish archipelago, with the most westerly on the Åland Islands.

International 12 Metre ClassABOUT 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, 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).

2021 12 Metre World Championship, Helsinki Finland

The 2021 Evli 12mR World Championship is a sustainable event that takes a stand on social, economic and environmental issues. We have created a Sustainability Action Plan, which will enhance social and economic well-being and minimize the carbon footprint of the regatta.
WE WANT TO USE & PRODUCE ONLY WHAT IS NEEDED AND NOTHING MORE!

For more information on the 12 Metre Worlds visit https://12mrworlds.com/

Follow us on Facebook #12MetreWorlds2021, @12mRWorldChampionship

CONTACTS:
Event Chairman
Henrik Andersin

Media Inquires
Kim Weckström

International 12 Metre Class
SallyAnne Santos

2021 Evli 12mR World Championship; Sails to Success through Shifting Conditions at Sea and Ashore

2021 12 Metre World Championship, Helsinki Finland

Editors’ Note:

Media Outlets, please email request for high-res images
To receive the 12 Metre Worlds blog, sign up here
Click red links below for details and daily reports

Nyländska Jaktklubben

12 Metre World Championship

Vim (US-15) Claims the Crown;

Helsinki, FI and Blue Marlin (FIN-1) Also Winners On and Off the Water

2021 EVLI 12mR World Championship, photo: Erik Lähteenmäki
Vim (US-15) chased downwind by Nini Anker (K-15) | Erik Lähteenmäki | Sailpix.Fi

HELSINKI, FI (August 22, 2021) – After navigating 2 years of shifting  circumstances caused by Covid-19, racing at the 2021 Evli 12mR World Championship (postponed from 2020) hosted by Nyländska Jaktklubben r.f. (NJK) finally got underway on August 16. Finland’s capricious weather presented a wide range of wind speeds and sea states to challenge the fortitude, skill and patience of the nine 12mR teams who had arrived at the regatta from Denmark, Germany and Norway— all on their own keels– after traversing hundreds of nautical miles on the Baltic Sea. This in itself was a rare and impressive achievement for the fleet of Vintage yachts that range in age from 82 to 103 years old. (Please click on any of the yacht names in the results section below to learn the history of each of the competing 12mRs.)

But no matter the conditions the competition, camaraderie and Finnish hospitality could not be dampened at the tremendously successful event that also celebrated a milestone anniversary for NJK, the oldest registered sports club and largest yacht club in Finland. Commodore, Mats Welin said: “Although this is the first time the 12mRs have held their World Championship in Finland, NJK has a long history with the Class including participation at our 50th and 75th Anniversary celebrations in 1911 and 1936. Now during our 160th Anniversary year we are very pleased to host the International Twelve Metre Class and proud that two competitors will race under the NJK flag.”

Best of photos: Erik Lähteenmäki | Sailpix.fi

<click on any image to view full size>

On Tuesday, Henrik Andersin, skipper of Helsinki’s hometown team Blue Marlin (FIN-1) “watched the clouds” and was first across the finish line in the series opener. Vim (US-15), skippered by Patrick Howaldt, prevailed in Race Two, the first of what would become a 4-race winning streak for this team.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the wind and seas states were deemed unsafe by the Race Committee together with cooperative input from representatives of each team. All but one of the crews stayed ashore enjoying NJK’s hospitality and sauna while keeping an eye on their yachts tugging at dock lines. The only exception being Flica II (K-14), skippered by Alexander Falk, who used the opportunity for some heavy-weather practice.

FLICA II (K-15), AUGUST 19, 2021

12mR Worlds 2021 – Thursday from Sailpix.fi on Vimeo.

On Friday, the skies cleared and racing resumed in continuing windy and choppy conditions. Three races were held with all nine yachts on the starting line for Race Three. Unfortunately, neither Nini Anker (K-14) nor Wings (K-15) were able to compete in Race Four due to equipment failures. By the third start, the fleet had diminished to just four yachts, notably some of the eldest in the fleet— Thea (D-1), Vanity V (K-5), Vema III (N-11) and Vim (US-15). Others including Blue Marlin (FIN-1), Flica II (K-14) and Jenetta (N-1) were also compelled to return to the docks for repairs prior to Race Five. Vim’s team, adept at “big wind” sailing according to skipper Patrick Howaldt, swept all three races of the day.

Despite numerous breakdowns the previous day, all nine 12mRs returned to the race course for the final day of racing on Saturday. This being a testament to the cooperation and commitment shared by the teams to collectively effect repairs to their historic yachts. Race Six of the series started in light and shifty winds ranging from 4-6 knots. Relative 12mR newcomer, Nini Anker (N-1) skippered by Christopher Avenarius prevailed and Wings (K-15), perhaps with a sense of redemption after an uncharacteristically disappointing series, won Race Seven— the final in the series.

2021 Evli 12mR Worlds | Lauri Hänninen
VIM (US-15), 2021 Evli 12mR World Champion racing to weather | Lauri Hänninen

Even with two second-place finishes in Races Six and Seven, Vim (US-15) never slipped from the podium position she had established on Day One. When the final scores were tallied, Patrick Howaldt’s team reigned supreme completing the series with a total score of just 8 points over the 7-race series to claim the 12mR World Championship crown. Howaldt, who also serves at the International Twelve Metre Association’s (ITMA) Vice President of Northern Europe said: “NJK, the Organizing Committee, all of the yacht owners, sailors, volunteers and sponsors did an incredible job to create a truly spectacular regatta. We are of course happy with our results, but equally gratified by the high level of competition and excellence exhibited by the Baltic 12mR fleet.”

2021 Evli 12mR World Championship, photo: Erik Lähteenmäki
Helsinki’s own Blue Marlin (FIN-1) skippered by Henrik Andersin | Sailpix.FI

To the delight of hometown fans Blue Marlin (FIN-1) captured second place overall and Alexander Falk’s Flica II (K-14) took third. (complete scores below) Blue Marlin skipper and 2021 Evli 12mR World Championship event chairman, Henrik Andersin said: “We are very happy to have been able to host this wonderful event, a first of its kind for Finland. Our Organizing Committee along with NJK persevered with planning and re-planning every detail against an ever-changing set of circumstances for this event originally scheduled for 2020. They are all to be commended for their dedication, creativity and professionalism throughout. The level of sportsmanship shown by everyone involved this week has been truly inspiring and we are thrilled with the success of the event, as well as the second-place finish of our own Blue Marlin team.”

The Baltic Yachts Sustainability Team / Squad showed creativity in the management of 1000s of water bottles | Werner Pluta

Additionally, and importantly, the regatta adopted a comprehensive Sustainability Program. Spearheaded by 12mR Worlds Committee Member, Johanna Catani and deftly executed by an energetic crew of junior sailors. The Baltic Yachts Sustainability Team / Squad collected and sorted every bit of waste generated by the event including several thousands of plastic water bottles from the boats. Catani said, “We established an action-plan to enhance social and economic well-being and minimize the carbon footprint of the regatta. Our mission statement was: WE WANT TO USE & PRODUCE ONLY WHAT IS NEEDED AND NOTHING MORE!” And so, they did.

On the Social Scene, the regatta kicked off with an elegant Welcoming Reception in the picturesque NJK Clubhouse. Each day an after-sail gathering was held in NJK’s authentic boathouse, where on Thursday crews were treated to a lavish Archipelago Dinner showcasing regional fare. The regatta concluded with an equally elegant and lively Awards Ceremony, held at Restaurant Pörssi.

The jubilant VIM (US-15) crew hoists skipper Patrick Howaldt and the newly dedicated Vintage 12mR World Championship | Sailpix.FI
The jubilant VIM (US-15) crew hoists skipper Patrick Howaldt and the newly deeded Vintage 12mR World Championship trophy | Sailpix.FI

If there were ever any doubt, this week the 2021 Evli 12mR World Championship proved that the Vintage 12mR Class is absolutely thriving in the Baltic. The boats and crews compete at the highest levels while the owners and caretakers preserve the iconic heritage of these breath-taking and legendary sailing yachts. As ITMA President, Paul Buttrose said earlier this week: “This Vintage 12mR fleet is the most widely-traveled and every boat has a fascinating history. Adding meticulous preparation and such a high standard of competition secures their recognition as “the backbone of our Class.”

2021 Evli 12mR World Championship, photo: Erik Lähteenmäki
Following the regatta most of the 12mR fleet set sail homeward to Denmark, Germany and Norway | Sailpix.FI

Best of photos:
Felix Diemer, Lauri Hänninen, Werner Pluta and SallyAnne Santos

<click on any image to view full size>

In the overall standings of the 7 race series (with one toss-out), the top 3 teams are World Champions Vim (US-15) with 8 points, Blue Marlin (FIN-1) with 18 points and Flica II (K-14) in with 22 points.

RESULTS

***FINAL***

2021 12 Metre Worlds
Day 5 (August 21) 2 Races

12mR – Vintage (9  Boats)
1. Vim (US-15), Helmuth Henning, Patrick Howaldt & Ditley Wedell Wedellsborg, Copenhagen, DK: (3) – 1  -1  -1  -1 -2 -2 ;  8

2. Blue Marlin (FIN-1), Henrik Andersin, Kotka, FI: 1 – 4 – 2 – 2 – (RET 10) – 4 -5 ; 18

3. Flica II (K-14), Alexander Falk, Hamburg, DE:  2 – 5 – 5 – 3 – 2  -5 -(6); 22

4. Jenetta (K-1), Thomas Müller, Flensburg, DE: 5 – 2 – 4 – RDG-3.7 – RDG-3.7 – 6 -(7); 24.4

5.  Nini Anker (N-15), Christoph Avenarius, Hamburg, DE: 4 – 6 – 3 – (RET 10)- DNS 10 – 1 – 3;  27

6. Wings of Cowes (K-15), Philipp Skafte-Holm, Copenhagen, DK (with Finnish & Danish crew): 7 – 3 – (RET-10) – DNS 10 – DNS-10 – 3 – 1; 34

7. Vanity V (K-5), Mikael Stelander,  Helsinki, FI:  6 – 7 – 6 – (DSQ 10) – 4 – 7 – 4; 34

8 Vema III (N-11), Johan Troye, Oslo, Norway, NOR: (9) – 9 – 7 – 4 – 3 – 8-DNF – 8 ; 40

9. Thea (D-1), Jacob Holst, Copenhagen, DK: 8 – 8 – 8 – 5 (10-DNS) – 8-DNF – 8; 45

(end)

Competitors List here

Presenting SponsorEVLI Bank

The 2021 Evli 12 Metre World Championship is presented by EVLI Bank, an investment management firm headquartered in Helsinki, Finland.

Supporting Day Sponsors are: Baltic Yachts, Keisari, Normet, Red Sky Yachts, Roschier, Scandic and Stanton Chase.

Additional Products & Service Providers include: Brandscape, Delicatessen, Fazer, Fiskars Group, Helsinki Helsingfors, Interbrands, Järvikylän, Jouko Lindgren, Kruunu Herkku, NOHO Nordic Hospitality Partners, North Sails, Sassan Ruokakassi, Suomen Jäätelö, Veikko Laine, Villi, and Windlass Creative

More About Our Partners

ABOUT NYLÄNDSKA JAKTKLUBBEN (NJK) 
Founded in 1861, the Nyländska Jaktklubben, NJK is Finland’s premier yacht club as well as its oldest registered sports organization. NJK has been the forerunner of Finnish yacht racing culture and has a long history with the Metre Classes. The Clubhouse, located on the beautiful island of Blekholmen is situated in Helsinki’s South Harbour, adjacent to the city center with berths for 125 yachts. NJK accommodates their 2500+ members, berths 440 sailing yachts, 90 dinghies and 374 motorboats at their two main harbours in Helsinki as well as at an additional 10 outstations in the Finnish archipelago, with the most westerly on the Åland Islands.

International 12 Metre ClassABOUT 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, 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).

2021 12 Metre World Championship, Helsinki Finland

The 2021 EVLI 12mR World Championship is a sustainable event that takes a stand on social, economic and environmental issues. We have created a Sustainability Action Plan, which will enhance social and economic well-being and minimize the carbon footprint of the regatta.
WE WANT TO USE & PRODUCE ONLY WHAT IS NEEDED AND NOTHING MORE!

For more information on the 12 Metre Worlds visit https://12mrworlds.com/

Follow us on Facebook #12MetreWorlds2021, @12mRWorldChampionship

CONTACTS:
Event Chairman
Henrik Andersin

Media Inquires
Kim Weckström

International 12 Metre Class
SallyAnne Santos