America II 12 US 46

Design and Construction

America II (US-44) was the second of three 12 Metre yachts built for the New York Yacht Club’s America II Syndicate in preparation for the 1987 America’s Cup in Fremantle, Australia.
Designed by M. William Langan of Sparkman & Stephens and constructed by Williams & Manchester Shipyard, she was launched in 1985 as a Grand Prix-division 12 Metre. Measuring approximately 17.7 m in length, with a beam of 3.68 m and a draft of 2.74 m, America II (US-44) was an evolution of the design principles tested in her sisterships US-42 and US-46. Her original homeport was Kings Point, New York, where she joined the syndicate’s training and testing program.

Post-America’s Cup Career

Following the conclusion of the 1987 America’s Cup challenge in Fremantle, US-44 was sold in November 1988 to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. Soon afterward, she was shipped to Seattle for a major refit to bring her into compliance with U.S. Coast Guard charter-vessel regulations.
During the refit, her rig was slightly shortened, an auxiliary engine was installed, and her cockpit was re-configured to provide seating for up to 29 passengers. These modifications enabled the yacht to transition from a pure racing machine to a certified charter vessel. Upon completion of the conversion, America II (US-44) was shipped to Honolulu, Hawaii, where she entered service under lease to Olapa K’Oa Charters.

Hawaiian Charter Service

For many years, America II (US-44) operated as a popular charter yacht off the Hawaiian coast. In her reconfigured layout, she could be sailed double-handed from the aft cockpit, while passengers enjoyed the thrill of sailing aboard an authentic America’s Cup contender. Her combination of speed, heritage, and accessibility made her a unique attraction in Hawaiian waters, providing an immersive racing-style sailing experience for paying guests.

Later Years and Present Status

By 2013, her operator reportedly lost the commercial permit to operate out of Lahaina Harbor, after which the vessel was expected to be returned to ACS (America II Campaign Support organization). As of 2015, the yacht was no longer sailing and is believed to have been sold for scrap.
While her racing days had long since ended, America II (US-44) remains a noteworthy example of a 12 Metre that successfully bridged the worlds of America’s Cup competition and commercial charter sailing—a testament to the enduring appeal and adaptability of the 12 Metre design.