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During the 37th America’s Cup Challenger Selection Series in 2024, up to 25 12 Metres are anticipated for racing on September 4-7 in Barcelona, Spain. The 17th Regata Puig Vela Clàssica will be run by the Real Club Nàutic de Barcelona with the yachts moored at the RCNB’s marina in the heart of the America’s Cup Village.
“We enjoyed hosting the fleet back in 2014, on the 7th edition of the regatta, and look forward to welcoming the 12 Metre family again in 2024 where the contrast between the displacement era and the new era of foiling vessels will be a stunning backdrop for the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona,” said Jordi Puig, President of the Real Club Nàutic de Barcelona.
The 12 Metre Class can trace its history back to the early 1900s when they were used in the 1908, 1912, and 1920 Olympic Games. The class was introduced to the America’s Cup in 1958 by the holders at the time, the New York Yacht Club, following the cessation of the competition during the period of World War II.
The ‘Golden Era’ of the enormous J-Class yachts that had last competed for the Cup in 1937 was over, as harsh post-war economic times precluded the building and campaigning of these vessels.
The New York Yacht Club recognized the desire for a smaller and more cost-effective class to re-start the competition and the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes agreed, sending the David Boyd designed Sceptre to face the Olin Stephens designed Columbia in 1958.
The Americans successfully defended eight times in the Match against challengers from Britain and Australia through to 1983 when finally, the longest winning streak in sports history was ended by the radical winged-keel yacht Australia II helmed by John Bertrand and designed by the genius of Ben Lexcen.
The Cup was taken to Fremantle Western Australia for what would be the final time that 12 Metres competed for the trophy in a memorable regatta with the big seas and winds of Gage Roads as the Australian Kookaburra III Task Force Syndicate lost to Dennis Conner’s Stars ‘n’ Stripes ‘87 after a thrilling series that catapulted the America’s Cup into the mainstream.
The 12 Metre fleet was eventually replaced by the IACC class after the Deed of Gift Match in 1988 but they were anything but forgotten and fleets have sprung up most notably in North America and in both North and Southern Europe ever since, with owners restoring and updating the beautiful yachts with modern technology.
“In many people’s minds, the era of the 12 Metre Class in the America’s Cup was what inspired their interest in the event,” noted Grant Dalton, CEO of America’s Cup Events.
“The 12 Metres will provide a lot of interest, and as always, their racing will be incredibly tight. We’re looking forward to seeing the boats and for the sailors to enjoy the unique atmosphere that is building in Barcelona.”
Source: ACE
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