TWELVE METRE YACHT

[aukepalmhof]

Twelve Metre yachts are “high pedigree” yachts especially designed for close match-racing around a triangular course of about thirty nautical miles. Racing in this class represents the pinnacle of class match-racing, as no handicaps apply and first over the line wins. Twelve Meter Yachts are approximately twenty metres in length and have a beam of about 3.8 meters. They normally sail with a crew of eleven. Their construction generally embodies a high degree of advanced technology and much that has been learnt from them has flowed into design refinements in other classes of yachts. Older 12 Meter Yachts which have been technically outdated are sometimes modified into Ocean Racers. The America’s Cup is the premier event for which 12 Meter Yachts compete. The cup has never been won (1982) by any country other than the United States, although in recent years Australia has mounted several challenges in an attempt to wrest the coveted Cup from its holders. The first Australian Yacht to win the right to challenge for the America’s Cup was GRETEL in 1962. She was followed by DAME PATTIE, GRETEL II, SOUTHERN CROSS and AUSTRALIA which challenged in 1977 and again in 1980.

Australia 1981 55c sg835, scott?

Log Book 1982 page 71. Australian Stamp Bulletin.

[FrenchShips]

The ship shown on the stamp is Australia from Royal Perth Yacht Club, AUS, Edition 24(1980) and Sun City Yacht Club, AUS, Edition 23(1977)

Designer : Johan Valentijn & Ben Lexcen
Builder : Steve E. Ward & Brian Raley

- 1977: Unsuccessful challenger for the 23rd America's Cup
- 1980: Unsuccessful challenger for the 24th America's Cup

Source: http://32nd.americascup.com/en/acclopae ... ntent=4890