Canada I 12 KC 1

Design and Construction

Launched in 1982, Canada I (KC-1) was designed by Bruce Kirby and built by Fred McConnell Marine Ltd. in Canada. Commissioned by the Secret Cove Yacht Club and backed by Marvin McDill’s syndicate, Canada I represented the nation’s first modern America’s Cup challenge. The yacht measured 19.0 meters overall with a waterline length of 13.78 meters, a beam of 3.84 meters, a draft of 2.72 meters, and a sail area of approximately 168 square meters.

The 1983 Louis Vuitton Cup

Canada I competed in the 1983 Louis Vuitton Cup, held in Newport, Rhode Island, as part of the America’s Cup challenger selection series. Despite strong competition, she advanced to the semi-final stage, ultimately finishing fourth behind Australia II, Victory ’83, and Azzurra. Her performance placed Canada firmly on the international sailing stage and demonstrated the growing sophistication of Canadian yacht design and racing talent.

Rebuild and Transformation

Following the 1983 campaign, Canada I underwent an extensive redesign and rebuild to improve her competitiveness. This refit included hull modifications and rigging upgrades, after which she was rebranded as Canada II. The evolution from Canada I to Canada II reflected the nation’s continued ambition and progress in 12 Metre racing, leading into the 1987 America’s Cup cycle.

Legacy

Canada I remains an important chapter in Canadian sailing history. As Bruce Kirby’s first 12 Metre design for an America’s Cup challenge, she represented innovation, national pride, and the beginning of Canada’s modern participation in the sport’s most prestigious competition. Her transformation into Canada II bridged two eras of Canadian yacht racing and underscored the country’s determination to compete among the world’s elite.