U.K.’s 12-Metre Hopes "Just About Dead”

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30983, 12 February 1966, Page 24

U.K. ’s 12-Metre Hopes "Just About Dead”

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

LONDON. Twelve metre yacht racing in Britain is just about deaa, according to the secretary of the British 12-metre Association,

Mr Patrie Egan, the “Daily Express” reported.

Australia challenges for the Americas Cup next year. The French, the Russians and the Italians are building those most prestigious of yachts, 12-metres.

“But a black cloud hangs over the boatyards of Britain,” said the “Express” columnist, William Hickey. “The position is bleak. There will be no 12-metre racing in British waters this summer—for the second successive season. No British Plans “There are no British plans to challenge for the Americanheld trophy. Nor is there a British yachtsman prepared to stake £lOO,OOO or more to build a new competitor,” said the “Express.” It quoted Mr Egan as saying: “The fact is we are pretty well moribund. It is a sad and dismal story. But 12-metre racing in Britain is just about dead. “If the French are really serious, good luck to them. I don’t personally think the Russians will succeed. But certainly we have been nowhere near the Americans since the war. No-one With Money “Now it looks rather as though there is no-one with enough money to spend on another project. If there is I don’t know of one at the moment. “I have not yet given up all hope. But really one can only hope that when the time comes for us to challenge again, someone will come along with the money.” Mr Egan added: “Remember, it cost the Americans £200,000 to defend successfully against Sovereign two years ago. “We can’t stop them if they want to race now with the French or Russians.” End Up In Moscow The “Express” listed the seven active 12-metre yachts Britain has had since the war and where the boats were at present: Sovereign—sold to France. Sceptre—out of action on the Clyde. Kurrewa— in Southampton with no sailing plans. Flica ll—converted into a sailing ketch in the West Indies. Norsaga—up for sale in the United States. Vanity V—sold to France. And the old Vanity—converted into a cruiser.

Britain had made 16 challenges for the cup which had been held by the United States since the race’s inception in 1851. “But the important thing was taking part,” said the “Express.”

“Now the elusive cup—a Victorian silver jug of little value—is slipping away. Perhaps to end up in Paris, Moscow or Rome.”