Classic 12 Metres Shine at Newport’s North American Championship

Classic 12 Metre yachts power up Narragansett Bay during the 2025 North American Championship, their spinnakers flying off Newport’s storied shoreline. Lauren Darby Zike/Courtesy International 12 Metre Association

The timeless lines of the 12 Metre Class were on full display in Newport, Rhode Island, as the 2025 12 Metre North American Championship wrapped up on September 21. Hosted by the Ida Lewis Yacht Club in partnership with the International Twelve Metre Association (ITMA) Americas Fleet, the regatta brought together a small but iconic group of yachts whose elegant profiles belied the intensity of their competition.

The event featured four notable entries: Columbia (US 16, built 1958), Weatherly (US 17, built 1958), American Eagle (US 21, built 1964) and Courageous (US 26, built 1974). Crews spanned generations — from high school sailors to octogenarians — all trimming, grinding and steering in the classic yachts’ narrow cockpits. Starts were tight, tacking duels unfolded upwind and spinnakers filled off Newport’s storied shoreline.

Multi-generational crews trim, grind, and steer aboard the 12 Metres, showcasing precision teamwork and timeless racing skills in Newport. Stephen Cloutier/Courtesy International 12 Metre Association

“Even without new-build designs, incremental refinements have kept these boats competitive without leaving others behind. That’s why you still see close, head-to-head racing today — the beauty of the class is that a subtle shift in the wind can still decide who walks away with the silver,” said TJ Perrotti, Newport-based naval architect and veteran 12 Metre sailor.

Conditions across three days of racing highlighted Narragansett Bay at its September best. Light, shifty breezes early in the regatta demanded precision and tactical decision-making. By Sunday, a stronger southerly filled in, sending spray over bows and hiking crews hard to weather.

In the end, Columbia, skippered by Kevin Hegarty, claimed first in both the Traditional and Open Divisions. Weatherly finished second in both classifications, while American Eagle and Courageous rounded out the fleet. Courageous, bolstered by youth sailors from Oakcliff Sailing, impressed the fleet with a Classic Division race win on the final day.

Columbia and Weatherly lock into a tight tacking duel off Newport, crossing within feet of each other in a display of classic one-design strategy. Sarah Seaman Photography/Courtesy International 12 Metre Association

“There was great competition among the 12 Metres,” Hegarty said. “Weatherly really stepped up their game with all the work they’ve done on the boat and bringing in a top crew. It was also great to see the younger generation out on Courageous.”

Support from official partners Citizens Private Bank and Nimbus Boats helped the event run smoothly. Citizens Private Bank hosted the Annual 12 Metre Fleet Dinner at the Clarke Cooke House, while Nimbus Boats provided official spectator and media vessels.

The North American Championship underscored Newport’s continued role as a global home for the 12 Metre Class. Organizers are now focused on the 2026 12 Metre World Championship, set for August 5–9 with Pre-Worlds July 31–August 1, and hope to attract as many yachts as possible from around the globe.As a special feature, readers can enjoy an immersive video of the regatta produced by Dave Reed, Editor of our sister publication, Sailing World Magazine, capturing the sounds and sights of these legendary yachts at full speed off Newport.

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