Enjoy an unforgettable sailing adventure aboard a 1930s designed AMERICA’S CUP Sailing Yacht, Redwitch II
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Red Witch II is a second generation “12-Meter” AMERICA’S CUP Racing Yacht (replica) – similar to those that raced in the 1958 to 1966 America’s Cup.
Technically speaking, the first-generation 12-Meter racing yachts (designed in 1906 and raced in the 1908, 1912 and 1920 Olympics) and second-generation 12-Meter racing yachts (designed in 1928 by noted naval architects including Charles E. Nicholson and William Fife and, again, raced in the 1958 to 1966 America’s Cup) looked virtually identical to the novice eye … as they shared a similar hull design. However, once the mainsail was raised, an obvious difference was readily visible … the second-generation 12-Meter racer’s Marconi (triangular) mainsail shape was drastically different than the first-generation 12-Meter racer’s gaff-riffed (asymmetric, triangle-atop-a-rectangle) mainsail shape. Moreso, the newer version’s mast was taller. Why the change in mainsail shape? The newer mainsail shape allowed the boat to sail at a tighter angle toward windward – i.e., superior upwind performance, enhance aerodynamic efficiency and greater ease of handling. Also a Marconi mainsail rig is safer – as there is no heavy, telephone pole-like “gaff boom” high in the air, which can fall onto the deck should the rigging fail.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Red Witch II is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard to safely accommodate 40 passengers — however, for passenger comfort, we prefer to sail with 28 (or fewer) passengers. Red Witch II displaces 19 tons and carries 1,200 square feet of sail. She has a traditional full keel and cutter sailing rig (with a Marconi aka Bermuda-style mainsail). For her era and size she is a fast sailing vessel with a top speed of 12 knots.
“12-METER” AMERICA’S CUP SAILING HISTORY:
Please note that description “12-Meter” does NOT refer to the length of these magnificent racing yachts — rather there are five criteria regarding hull design that, in sum, must not exceed 12 meters. As such, the earliest 12-Meter racers ranged from 55 to 65 feet in length — note that Red Witch II is 55 feet in length. Subsequent 12-Meter sailboats ranged from 65 to 75 feet in length.
First-generation “12-Meter” racing yachts sailed in the 1908, 1912 and 1920 Olympics. Second-generation “12-Meter” racing yachts were designed in 1928 and raced in the 1958 to 1966 America’s Cup races. First-generation and second-generation 12-Meter sailboats had a traditional full (one-piece) keel – not a more modern split keel with separate rudder. First-generation and second-generation 12-Meter racing yachts featured a long swooping bow and stern, and a flush deck. First-generation and second-generation 12-Meter racers are highly regarded as possibly the most beautiful and, quite likely the most seaworthy, sailboats ever designed.
Specifically, Red Witch II’s mast originally belonged to a former Prime Minister of Great Britain, Sir Edward Heath – a noted racing sailor. Red Witch II has 3 notable sisterships – “Curragh” (formerly “Charisma”) was owned by former Senator Ted Kennedy; “Jour D’Ete’” was owned by the Beach Boys; and “Eros” purportedly circumnavigated Earth twice, from west to east – traversing all oceans but the Arctic Ocean.
FYI In 1967, third-generation 12-Meter America’s Cup racing yachts shifted to a contemporary, split-keel design (departing from the traditional full keel design) wherein the keel and rudder were no longer integral. Specifically, “Intrepid” was the first split-keel 12-Meter sailboat. In 1983, “Australia II” was the first 12-Meter to feature a wing keel with spade rudder. And in the 1987 America’s Cup, a 12-Meter sailboat with twin rudders was introduced.
Former America’s Cup 12-Meter racing yachts primarily informally race in Newport Rhode, Island; Northern Europe (specifically, the Baltic Sea); and coastal cities in Denmark, Sweden and Norway.
Capt. Andrew R. Sadock (100-Ton Ship’s Master with Sailing and Towing Endorsements) has safely carried 342,000 passengers from Chicago’s Navy Pier, Milwaukee Harbor, Kenosha Harbor, Los Angeles, California (Marina Del Rey Harbor) and Santa Barbara, California (Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearn’s Wharf)
Second-generation 12-Meter America’s Cup Sailing Yacht Red Witch II (replica) was designed by renowned naval architect Bruce King, an admirer of William Fife’s beautiful early 20th-century designs. She was designed for safe ocean racing – fast passage in high waves and wind. Red Witch II easily handles Lake Michigan’s “choppy” waves – for a safe, comfortable, fun experience on the magnificent Great Lake!
Enjoy a Public Sail aboard Red Witch. We offer Day Sails ($35 per person for 90 minutes) and Sunset Sails ($40 per person for 90 minutes). Public Sails are a true sailing experience – as we raise the sails and turn off the motor as soon as we reach the lake (approximately ten minutes after we leave the dock). And we deliver the best view of Milwaukee – moreso than other tourboats – as we tend to travel further offshore (weather permitting).
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