Crusader 12 K 24

CRUSADER was launched in 1985 as Great Britain’s official challenger for the 1987 America’s Cup in Fremantle, Australia. Designed by Ian Howlett and built by Cougar Marine in Southampton, she was unveiled at the London Boat Show by HRH Princess Diana.

Built to the International Third Rule of the 12 Metre Class, CRUSADER represented a significant leap forward in British America's Cup design and performance.

America’s Cup Campaign

  • Designed by: Ian Howlett

  • Builder: Cougar Marine, Southampton

  • Launch: January 1985

  • Role: British challenger for the 1987 America’s Cup

  • Event: Louis Vuitton Cup, Fremantle, Australia

CRUSADER performed well in the 1987 challenger elimination series but was ultimately bested by Dennis Conner’s Stars & Stripes, who reclaimed the Cup for the U.S.

Post-Cup Racing & Refits

In 1990, she was acquired by Richard Matthews, founder of Oyster Yachts, from Graham Walker, the leader of the original British challenge. Matthews outfitted her for dual-purpose use as a cruiser-racer for UK and offshore racing.

Notable Achievements:

  • 4× Fastnet Race participant

  • 2× Britannia Trophy winner (Cowes Week)

  • Gold Cup winner

  • Overall winner: RORC Cowes–Saint Malo Race

  • Burnham Town Cup winner

Her original 12 Metre rig and deck gear were retained, while practical cruising features (engine, guardrails, accommodation) were added.

2001 America’s Cup Jubilee

For the 150th Jubilee Regatta in Cowes, CRUSADER was returned to her original racing configuration:

  • Engine and cruising gear removed

  • Fully restored to 12 Metre Class spec

  • Result: 1 race win and 3rd overall in the Grand Prix division

This historic event was one of the largest and most competitive 12 Metre gatherings ever held.

Refits & Racing (2013–2024)

  • Friendly match races with sister ship Italia through 2013

  • Stored ashore at Fox Marina for several seasons

  • Launched in 2020 with a new Doyle mainsail

  • Underwent major refit ahead of the 2024 12 Metre season

2024 Refit Highlights:

  • Complete overhaul of hydraulic systems and deck gear

  • B&G instrument system upgraded (new processor, compass, masthead unit, MFDs)

  • New running rigging

  • Mast and rigging fully inspected

  • 12 Metre certificate revalidated with new mainsail spec

  • 6× new North sails added to her race inventory

  • Spare sails and full equipment container (40ft) included

2024 Regattas

CRUSADER is actively racing again in 2024, with a packed program:

  • 12 Metre World Championship – Porquerolles, France

  • America’s Cup Invitational Regatta – Barcelona

  • Regatta Royales – Cannes

  • Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez – Dedicated 12mR class