Erne Signe 12 E 8

A Century of Racing Heritage

Erna Signe was originally built as a gaff-rigged 12-Metre yacht under the First International Rule for Swedish industrialist Nils Persson. She proudly represented Sweden in the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm, where she earned the silver medal behind the gold-medal-winning Magda IX, an Anker & Jensen design. Later that year, she triumphed over Magda IX to win Kiel Week, one of Europe's premier sailing regattas.

In 1914, Erna Signe was one of ten Swedish Metre boats to race at the Europe Week in Horten, Norway. Unfortunately, she lost her mast in the final race. She remained active in racing and cruising, spending the next five decades sailing the waters of Denmark.

Restoration & Revival

After falling into decline, Erna Signe was purchased in 1998 by Ole Chr. Schrøder in a dilapidated state. Recognizing her historical significance, he commissioned a complete and meticulous restoration at Walsted Yard in Denmark. Though the restoration respected her classic style, she was not returned to her original configuration. Notable updates included:

  • Conversion to a Bermudan rig

  • New teak deck

  • Installation of self-tailing winches

  • Fully redesigned interior

This extensive refit was completed in 2000, reviving Erna Signe as a competitive and elegant classic yacht.

Provenance: A Legacy of Ownership

1911–1915 – Nils Persson (Stockholm, Sweden)
Original owner; Olympic silver medalist in 1912. Crew included: Per Bergman, Dick & Kurt Bergstrom, Hugo Clason, Folke Johnson, Sigurd Kander, Nils Lamby, Erik Lindqvist, and Richard Sallstrom. Also competed in the 1914 Europe Week in Oslo.

1916–1918 – Possibly renamed Marjorie (owner unclear)

1919–1920 – Dr. G. Jebsen (Christiania/Oslo, Norway)
Renamed Vogue.

1920–1921 – Sam Bull
Restored original name Erna Signe.

1921–1953 – Ole Schrøder
From the renowned Norwegian shipping family. Competed in the 1933 Hanko KNS Jubilee Regatta, winning the first race.

1954–1990 – Unknown
Disappeared from Lloyd’s Register; suffered neglect.

1990–1994 – Bjarne Christensen
Left in deteriorating condition with interior removed.

1996–1998 – Fritz Haaning

1998–2003 – Ole Chr. Schrøder (Oslo, Norway)
Son of the 1920s owner; led the major Walsted restoration.

2003–2008 – Bernt Rognlien Schrøder (Oslo, Norway)

2009–Present – Einar Sissener (Sandefjord, Norway)

Erna Signe continues to embody the grace and spirit of classic 12-Metre design, sailing with pride more than a century after her launch.