Emilia 12 I 2

A Yacht with Aristocratic Origins and a Racing Legacy

A Yacht Born of Legacy

Emilia was originally commissioned in 1929 by Senator Giovanni Agnelli, intended as a gift to his son-in-law Carlo Nasi. Designed and built to conform to the Second International Rule as a 12mR yacht, construction was interrupted when Nasi unexpectedly departed for South America.

Before her launch, Emilia was sold to Attilio Bruzzone, a wealthy yachtsman and member of the Royal Yacht Club Italiano. Bruzzone modified the yacht’s original rig to a Bermudan schooner, and the original sail number "I-1" was reassigned to another Italian Twelve, La Spina.

Ownership Timeline

1930–1940: Attilio Bruzzone

  • Name: Emilia (named after Bruzzone’s wife)

  • Home Port: Genoa, Italy

  • Rig: Bermudan schooner

  • Engine: Bolinder, 30 HP

  • Notes:

    • Launched on September 16, 1930

    • Competed in regattas between Genoa and Cannes throughout the 1930s

1941–1975: E. Coppola

  • Home Ports: Genoa, Portofino (Italy), Cap Ferrat (France)

  • Emilia was withdrawn from active racing during this time.

1975–1988: Giorgio Trani

  • Home Port: Venice, Italy

1988–1998: Adriana Sterzi

  • Home Port: La Spezia, Italy

  • In 1988, Emilia underwent a complete refit at Beconcini Shipyard.

  • Interior redesigned in a modern style by architect Pinto

  • Relaunched on July 28, 1990

1998–2014 (April): Marco Riccardo Gastaldi & Jacques Sicotte

  • Home Ports: Genoa, Cannes, and later Alassio

  • In 2002, the owners began a major restoration to return Emilia to her original 12mR configuration, based on Attilio Costaguta’s original design.

  • Key modifications included:

    • A new sail plan by Jacques Fauroux

    • A wooden mast supplied by Lavazza yard

    • Hull conversion undertaken by the owner and craftsmen, with support from Pasqui Shipyard in Antibes

    • Engine removed

    • Interior refitting was not fully completed

Emilia returned to competitive sailing in the Mediterranean’s classic and 12mR regattas.

May 2014–Present: Jacques Sicotte

  • Home Port: Alassio, Italy

  • Continues to campaign Emilia in vintage regattas

Racing Highlights

YearEventResult200212mR World Championship (Newport, USA)5th – Traditional Division201412mR World Championship (Barcelona, Spain)7th Place

Summary

Emilia is a remarkable example of Italy’s early 12 Metre racing tradition, blending noble origins, racing pedigree, and enduring elegance. Restored with passion and technical precision, she continues to sail proudly in the Mediterranean classic yacht scene, representing nearly a century of yachting history.