Dame Pattie 12 KA 10

A Legendary 12-Metre Racing Yacht

Dame Pattie is a distinguished International 12-metre class yacht originally built for the 1967 America’s Cup challenge. Designed by Warwick Hood and constructed by W.H. Barnett in New South Wales, Australia, she remains one of the most iconic racing yachts of her era.

America’s Cup Legacy

Commissioned by an Australian syndicate led by Emil Christensen and representing the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Dame Pattie carried the hopes of a nation in the 1967 America's Cup. The campaign, which cost an estimated $2 million, was inspired by Sir Frank Packer’s earlier challenge with Gretel in 1962.

Despite the ambition and effort, Dame Pattie was defeated by the American defender Intrepid, which introduced radical design innovations and ultimately won the series 4–0.

Honoring a National Figure

The yacht was named in honor of Dame Pattie Menzies, wife of Australia’s former Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies. Her name is a tribute to national pride and the spirit of international competition.

Craftsmanship and Materials

Dame Pattie was crafted with premium materials, reflecting the high standards of 12-metre class yacht construction:

  • Main frames: Laminated Queensland Maple

  • Intermediate frames: Steam-bent Danish Ash

  • Planking: Edge-grain Douglas Fir, fastened with silicon bronze screws

Due to America’s Cup rules prohibiting foreign materials without permission, the syndicate secured approval from the New York Yacht Club to import Douglas Fir from Stone Brothers Logging in Maple Bay, British Columbia.

A New Chapter in Canada

In 1970, Canadian yachtsman G.W. O’Brien purchased Dame Pattie, renamed her Endless Summer, and converted her for ocean racing. Based out of Vancouver, BC, she raced for over a decade with a heavily modified cockpit featuring seven large winches.

In 1989, another Canadian, Lawrence Lambert, acquired the yacht, gave her a new interior modeled after the Swan 65, and restored her original name, Dame Pattie, with the sail number KC87. She underwent a major refit below decks to make her suitable for cruising and private charters.

Return to Europe and Restoration

In 2008, Danish architect Mads Buhl brought Dame Pattie to the French Riviera, aiming to return her to competitive sailing in the Classic 12mR fleet. Unfortunately, interest waned, and the yacht was abandoned for several years due to unpaid taxes.

Eventually, she was auctioned by the French government in 2017 and sold to Frédéric Rolland, who undertook a full restoration and converted her into a graceful cruising yacht once again.

Today

Dame Pattie remains a testament to international yacht design, competition, and craftsmanship. With her rich history spanning Australia, Canada, and Europe, she stands as a symbol of elegance and endurance in the world of classic yachting.