Throwback Thursday - 1970 America's Cup in Newport, RI

Here's a throwback to 1970 in Newport, Rhode Island.  Check out a young Charley Morgan sailing aboard our 12 meter Heritage in the 1970 America's Cup trails.  For more about Heritage visit www.12metercharters.com/heritage.asp.



Duel in The Wind Official Trailer - 1970 America's Cup
http://www.maritimeproductions.tv/

Description:  "For the first time the NYYC accepted more than one challenger in 1970. Featuring the defense selection trials Intrepid, skippered by Bill Ficker, met challenger Australia's Gretel II.  This detailed retrospective of the 1970 races focuses on the ambitious Charley Morgan, who designed, built, funded, and skippered the 12-meter Heritage. The program recounts the intense series of elimination races between Morgan and Ficker, and summarizes the 1970 races. Never before has a video given the viewer such a feeling of being aboard a racing 12-meter."  from You Tube.

Throwback Thursday - America's Cup J-Boat Racing

We are all about America's Cup sailing in Newport, Rhode Island! The J Class boats raced in the America's Cup in the 1930's just before the 12 Meter era.  These amazing race boats measure in at about 140 feet long and have a mast that is about 170 feet high.  It takes a crew of about 30 to sail these 150 ton yachts.  

We have had many opportunities to see a few of the beautiful J Class boats race off the coast of Newport.  But never have we seen five sailing and racing together at one time!  This past winter five J Boats raced in the St. Barths Bucket.  That many J's have not raced together in decades!  Check out this wonderful video by Newport's own, Onne Van Der Wal.  

The J's race at the 2013 St. Barths Bucket. from Onne van der Wal on Vimeo. 


We never get tired of seeing these throwback yachts race and are looking forward to seeing some of them in Newport this summer!

Throwback Thursday - Columbia's First Year Of Sailing in Newport

As 12 Meter Charters starts another season of sailing in Newport we think back to the first year our 12 Meter yachts were sailing.

In the spring of 1958, 12 Meter Columbia US 16 was launched.  Below is a picture of Columbia on September 20, 1958 winning her first race of the America's Cup finals.  She crossed the finish line over eight minutes before her competitor, Sceptre.

Today Columbia continues in her speedy, winning ways.  Last season she had a dominating victory and the 12 Meter North American Championship and was awarded the Ted Hood Trophy for the best racing performance of 2012!