Clipper 12 US 32

A Pioneer of Repurposed Design in the 12 Metre Class

Clipper (US-32) was launched in 1979 at Newport Offshore, designed by David Pedrick for the Huey Long syndicate as part of the 1980 America's Cup campaign. What made her truly innovative was her construction: Clipper was built using the keel and keel apron of the earlier 12 Metre, Independence—marking the first known instance of structural repurposing in the 12mR class.

This concept of modular or interchangeable components would later influence two-boat testing strategies, such as those employed by the America II syndicate in the mid-1980s.

1980 America’s Cup Campaign

  • Syndicate: People to People Sports Committee

  • Designer: David Pedrick

  • Home Port: Newport, Rhode Island (USA)

  • Skipper: Russell Long, son of Huey Long

Clipper competed in the 1980 Defender Trials and, while promising in design, was hampered by the relative inexperience of her crew. She gained momentum and notched better results when the highly skilled Tom Blackaller briefly took the helm.

Despite not winning the Cup, Clipper earned recognition as the winner of the 1980 Lipton Memorial Trophy.

Post-Cup Career and International Service

After the 1980 campaign, Clipper continued to play a valuable role in the 12 Metre fleet:

  • 1981–1982: Served as a trial horse for Canada, assisting with preparations for their challenge

  • 1986: Again served as a trial horse, this time for the Heart of America Challenge based in Chicago

European Ownership and Recent Status

Clipper was owned by Peter Rubenstein from 1982 to 2001, during which time her home port was Lidköping, Sweden. In 2002, ownership transferred to Hans Allan Eliasson, who based the yacht in Öregrund, Sweden.

Today, Clipper is owned by Hugo Stenbeck Jr. Although historically active on the Swedish classic-yacht circuit, she is not currently sailing or racing, marking a pause in her long legacy as a capable and enduring 12 Metre.

Summary

  • Name: Clipper (US-32)

  • Designer: David Pedrick

  • Launched: 1979 (Newport Offshore)

  • Notable Features: Built on the keel of Independence, first known reuse of parts in 12mR history

  • Campaigns: 1980 America's Cup, Lipton Memorial Trophy winner, trial horse for Canada and Heart of America

  • Current Status: Actively racing in Sweden