Azzurra II 12 I 8

Design and Construction

Azzurra II (sail number I-8) was built in 1985 for the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s Italian challenge in preparation for the 1987 America’s Cup in Fremantle. Designed by Studio Andrea Vallicelli and built by Industrie Meccaniche Scardellato, she represented the next generation of Italian 12 Metres following the success of the original Azzurra (I-4).

Campaign Role

In 1985, Azzurra II competed in the 12 Metre World Championship, finishing fifth. The performance encouraged YCCS to commission two further hulls for the Fremantle campaign—Azzurra III (I-10) and Azzurra IV (I-11). During the 1987 Louis Vuitton Cup, Azzurra II was part of Italy’s three-boat program, though she did not advance to the later rounds. Her participation helped refine rig and hull developments that benefited the later Azzurra designs.

Later History

Azzurra II was later recorded in registry lists under her original sail number I-8, with builder and design credits intact. A 2016 sale listing described her as a “Custom 12 Metre – Azzurra II (I-8)” with original homeport Porto Cervo and dimensions consistent with late-rule 12 Metres. As of the mid-2010s, she was reportedly located in Simpson Bay, Saint Martin, retaining her distinctive Italian heritage.

Significance

Although not a Cup finalist, Azzurra II (I-8) represents an essential stage in Italy’s ascent within the America’s Cup arena—bridging the pioneering Azzurra (I-4) of 1983 and the full multi-yacht campaign of 1987. She remains a key chapter in the evolution of the YCCS fleet and in the history of Italian 12 Metre yacht design.