Columbia Meets an Old Friend in Newport Harbor!

After a beautiful October morning of sailing, Columbia met an old friend in Newport Harbor today. While docked at Bannister's Wharf Columbia was greeted by the classic motor yacht Marianna from Jamestown, RI.  As the captain passed Columbia he said, "This boat was built to watch that boat race in the America's Cup."  Built in 1958, Marianna was built to watch the New York Yacht Club's Columbia compete in (and win!) the America's Cup.  Over fifty years later, both boats are still beautiful and gracing the waters of Newport.  We love meeting old friends of our 12 Meter yachts in Newport!

 

Columbia Wins 1958 America's Cup in Newport!

Vintage footage of our 12 Meter, Columbia, winning the 1958 America's Cup in Newport!  After over 50 years, she is still racing strong and sailing fast in Newport.  Look for her on the race course again soon!


  

Columbia gets her Big Rig!

Here's the crane carrying the 90 foot mast over to be installed on Columbia.  Next stop...Newport Harbor!

All Eyes on Columbia!

Yesterday in Portsmouth, Rhode Island 12 Meter US 16, Columbia, launched for her 54th season of sailing.  Our 1958 America's Cup winner is like a fine wine...she just gets better with age!  Thanks to Captain Kevin for all his hard work(look at the hull shine!) and thanks for Mate Laura for the great pictures.  Next up...stepping her 90 foot mast.  Look for Columbia in Newport later this week!

 

  

  

 

Columbia in the Boatyard with Famous Yachts!

 

Columbia spent her winter vacation at New England Boatworks in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.  Our 1958 America's Cup winner was "vacationing" in good company this winter.  The picture above shows her winter spot along side other yachting greats.  From right to left, Billy Joel's, Vendetta from Oyster Bay, New York is under cover.  The black hulled beauty is Newport racer, Bolero.  The empty spot in the middle was ocupied by Spartan(pictured below), a Herreshoff designed NY 50, that left the shed earlier this week.  And our beautiful 12 Meter, Columbia is on the far left.  

Thank you to Captain Kevin for all his hard work getting Columbia ready for the 2012 racing season and for the wonderful photos.  

Stay tuned for launching photos later this month when Columbia makes a splash!  She'll be sailing in less than a month - come join us for a Newport 12 Meter sail this summer!

September 26, 1958 - Columbia Wins!

On this day in 1958 Columbia beat her English competitor, Sceptre, in the fourth and final race of the America's Cup.  It has been 53 years but she is still sailing strong!