Desiree

A Century on the Water

Launched in 1913 as Sibyllan, DESIREE is one of the oldest 12 Metre Class yachts still sailing today. Over more than a century, she has passed through many hands, names, and transformations—each adding to her storied legacy.

A Storied Past

Originally commissioned by Carl D. Danielsson of Stockholm (1913–1915), she later sailed under the name Sirocco when owned by Christophersen of Oslo. In 1924, the yacht came under the ownership of Andrea Ossoinack, a prominent Rijeka-based politician active during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He renamed her Scirocco, and she was based in the port of Rijeka.

By 1928, the yacht joined the Venice-based Compagnia della Vela and was renamed Dux. At this time, she still carried her gaff cutter rig and retained her international 12 Metre rating. She was used for both regattas and offshore cruising, earning a strong reputation on the Mediterranean racing circuit.

Her early racing highlights include:

  • 1929 – First Balearic International Regatta

  • 1930 – Tirrenia Trophy

  • 1933 – Record time on the Venice–Tripoli–Trieste route (40 days)

  • 1939 – First place in the Istrian-Dalmatian Regatta (Lošinj–Zadar)

As war loomed in 1939, Dux was moved to the Galeazze Pavilion in the Venice Arsenal for protection. However, in 1943, German forces ordered her launched to vacate the space. After years out of water with no maintenance, she sank due to open seams. Though salvaged, she remained abandoned in the Venetian lagoon until the end of the war, looted and stripped.

Post-War Rebirths

In 1947, a member of the Compagnia della Vela rescued the yacht and renamed her Marisetta. She underwent significant modifications that altered her original racing design. The gaff cutter rig was replaced with a Bermudan ketch configuration, the bowsprit was removed, the deckhouse was raised for livability, and an engine was installed.

Despite these changes, the yacht continued to prove herself on the racecourse. In 1951, she won the Nastro Verde (Rimini–Venice–Trieste) regatta.

Subsequent owners continued to refine and maintain her:

  • Renamed Valeria in 1956

  • Renamed Desiree in 1970 by Antonio Malipiero, marking the beginning of her modern era

Return to the Classic Regatta Circuit

In 1996, DESIREE underwent a major restoration at Cantieri Navali Delta in Fiumicino. Her Bermudan ketch rig was retained, and she returned to the Mediterranean regatta circuit, racing in classic and vintage yacht events.

Her recent racing record includes:

  • 2003 – First place at Argentario Sailing Week

  • 2004 – Third place at Argentario Sailing Week

  • 2005 – Second place at Vele d’Epoca di Porto Rotondo (Panerai Classic)

Restoration and Maintenance

Between 2022 and 2023, DESIREE returned once again to Cantieri Navali Delta for a full systems refit and inspection. She remains actively maintained and continues to represent the elegance and competitive spirit of the 12 Metre class.

Known Racing History

  • 1929 – Balearic International Regatta

  • 1933 – Venice–Tripoli–Trieste speed record

  • 1939 – Istrian–Dalmatian Regatta (Lošinj–Zadar), first place

  • 1951 – Nastro Verde (Rimini–Venice–Trieste), first place

  • 2003 – Argentario Sailing Week, first place

  • 2004 – Argentario Sailing Week, third place

  • 2005 – Vele d’Epoca di Porto Rotondo, second place

Provenance: Ownership Timeline

  • 1913–1915 – Carl D. Danielsson, Stockholm (named Sibyllan)

  • 1916–1918 – Unknown

  • 1919–1922 – Christophersen, Christiania, Oslo (renamed Sirocco)

  • 1923 – P. and G. Benson

  • 1924 – Camper & Nicholsons Ltd., London

  • 1924–1927 – Andrea Ossoinack, Rijeka (renamed Scirocco)

  • 1928–1946 – Compagnia della Vela, Venice (renamed Dux)

  • 1947 – Compagnia della Vela, Venice (renamed Scirocco)

  • 1947–1955 – Francesco Boratto (renamed Marisetta)

  • 1956–1969 – Torquato Gennari (renamed Valeria)

  • 1970–1975 – Antonio Malipiero (renamed Desiree)

  • 1976–1984 – Antonio, Maurizio, and Raffaele Malipiero

  • 1984–1989 – Leonardo Bagni

  • 1990–1997 – Dr. Romano, Fiumicino

  • 1998–Present – Giuseppe Rinaldi and group of enthusiasts