The embossing shows its an original

Original note and sticker preserved

THE 12 METRE CLASS RACING YACHTS: The 12-meter class of racing yachts which, while not identical, are all designed to a particular formula, so the boats involved are roughly comparable in performance. The idea was to give the designers the freedom to experiment with the details of their designs while maintaining a level field. The first 12-meters were built in 1907 and the last in 1987. The 12-meter class was used in the Olympic Games of 1908, 1912 and 1920.

The "12-metre" in the class name thus has nothing to do with the actual length of the boats, which ranged from 65 to 75 feet overall. They were all sloop-rigged, with their masts typically being about 85 feet tall. It refers to the addition of the various factors used in the design which had to be equal to 12 metres in total.

 

12 METRE'S in the America's Cup: When America's Cup racing resumed in 1958 after World War II, more economical vessels were desired to replace the huge and expensive J-class yachts that were raced in the 1930s; the 12-meter class was selected. In 1987, use of the 12-meter class was ended, switching to International America's Cup Class boats for the 1992 competition.

 

"VIM": Was designed by Olin Stephens in 1939. Stephens considered the possibilities given by every aspect of the rules' variables and produced a very fast boat. Vim had numerous innovative features including a trim tab on the rudder, two-speed winches and a lighter mast made of a form of aluminum used in the aircraft industry. Vim is considered a benchmark design which was continually refined over her racing career. In 1939 Vim came to the UK and won 19 races out of 28. The next generations of 12-meters designed and built 20 years after Vim was launched, she was still extremely difficult to beat in competition.

 

A VIEWER'S INPUT: The sail numbers from left to right in the picture are US: 11, 12, 14, 15. And we quote:

 

"The photo shows Vim (US-15), Nereus, Charlotte II, and Nyalla (US-12) -- which is mis-spelled by the original owner -- real name is Nyala, with one "l".

 

Nereus should be sail number US-14, and was originally named "Northern Light".  She is still sailing in Newport, RI, but is again called Northern Light.   She was re-named Nereus between 1941-1971.

 

Charlotte II is sail number US-11, and was originally named "Gleam".  She also is sailing in Newport, RI today, still under the name Gleam.  She was renamed for only 2-3 years by her then owner.  During this time, he named her "Charlotte II".  In 1953, new owners re-named her back to the original name, Gleam, and she is still Gleam today.

 

As an aside, both of the other boats are still under sail as well.  Vim is owned and well maintained in Italy, and most recently raced in a regatta for 12 Meter boats that was held between the Amercia's Cup Challenger and Defense races.  Nyala is also sailing in Italian waters."

 

International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Island, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within five days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. A prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Unfortunately, shipping charges are not included in this offer and are non-refundable unless due to our error.