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 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.
Capt. Andrew R. Sadock (100-Ton Ship’s Master with Sailing and Towing Endorsements) has safely carried 340,000 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)
1930’s-Design America’s Cup Sailing Yacht (first-generation 12-Meter replica) Red Witch II was specifically designed by renowned naval architect Bruce King for safe ocean racing – fast passage in high waves and wind.
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