Designed and built by renowned Norwegian naval architect Johan Anker, Vema III (N-11) was among the last of 20 Twelves envisioned at his drafting table. During her 1933 launch season she campaigned successfully at the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club’s 50th Anniversary Jubilee as well as at Cowes Week. Impressively, N-11 has been actively sailing for 88 years and has the notable distinction of being the only 12mR to sail under the Norwegian flag throughout her entire lifetime.
Commissioned by Norwegian-American shipbuilder Georg Unger Vetlesen, Vema III was the “little boat” to his 300-ton schooner Vema II. During World War II, N-11 was Nazi war-prey in occupied Norway. After he war she raced well into the 1950’s with the lively Oslo Fjord fleet consisting primarily of Blue Marlin, Santa, Figaro VI, and Norsaga (now Trivia).
After the decline of 12mR sailing in the late 50’s, Vema III remained in Norway as the only active boat in her Class. By 1979, new owners Tor Jøgen Dahl and Lars Christian Dahl noticed the corrosion of key structural elements in need of prompt attention and started her preservation. In 1999 TJ Dahl with new owner Einar Nagel Erichsen undertook a more extensive restoration.
Since 2006, Vema III has been owned by a group of 10 sailors who share a keen interest in 12mR sailing and her notable Norwegian designer, Johan Anker. Together, N-11’s team strive to keep their “pride & joy” in perfect condition and consider her to be one of the best-preserved 12mR yachts in the world. Syndicate lead, Johan Troye said, “We look very much forward to racing in the waters of Helsinki and being part of the most spectacular fleet of 12mRs in the world.”
To this day, Vema III continues as a seasoned racer and was one of four boats shipped from Europe to the 2019 Worlds at Newport, RI (USA). In Helsinki this summer, Vema III will meet her “baby sister” Nini Anker (N-12) in their first Worlds-encounter. (Now named for Johan’s famed wife Nini, Anker’s last design #434 was built and launched in 2013 at the Robbe Berking boatyard, and originally named Siesta (DEN-14).)
Covid-19 update March 2021: Organizing Committee will follow WHO recommendations
The Heatherbell Trophy, was donated to the NJK by the Krogius Family specifically to recognize World Champions in the 12mR Antique division. Approximately forty International First Rule (Antique) 12mRs were built between 1907-1920 and were sailed in Olympic competition at the1908, 1912 and 1920 Games. The yacht Heatherbell was among the first 12mRs ever built when she was launched at Glasgow, Scotland in 1907.
The NJK 160 Year Jubilee Trophy, recently donated by Henrik Andersin, owner of Blue Marlin (FIN-1) and 2021 12mR World Championship Chairman, also traces its origin back to 1911. The gilded Sheffield-made silver cup was originally awarded for Point-to-Point equestrian races in the United Kingdom. This perpetual trophy will be awarded to 12mR World Champion yachts in the Vintage Division. The Vintage division is comprised of International Second Rule 12mRs, constructed between 1920-33 and Third Rule 12mRs designed to the formula enforce from 1933 until the America’s Cup Third Rule was established in 1958.
Covid-19 update March 2021: Organizing Committee will follow WHO recommendations