About Us
Red Witch II is a first-generation (1914 to 1966) “12-Meter” AMERICA’S CUP Racing Yacht (replica) – similar to those that raced in the 1958 to 1966 America’s Cup — and 1920 Olympics.
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 and 1958 to 1966 America’s Cup races. First-generation 12-Meter sailboats had a traditional full (one-piece) keel. First-generation 12-Meter racing yachts featured long, swooping bow and stern, and a flush deck. First-generation 12-Meters are widely known as one of the most beautiful and, quite likely most seaworthy, sailboats ever designed.
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.
In 1967, second-generation 12-Meter America’s Cup racing yachts shifted to a split-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 informally race in Antigua, Bermuda, and other prestigious locations around the globe.
