Flica 12 K 16

Designed by Charles E. Nicholson – Built for Sir Richard Fairey, Launched 9 May 1929
Built to the International Second Rule

Design & Construction

Flica was commissioned by aviation pioneer Sir Richard Fairey and designed by Charles E. Nicholson at Camper & Nicholson’s Gosport yard. Construction began in 1927 and she was launched on 9 May 1929, built in just five months. Fairey’s team used hydrodynamic tank testing and applied wind-tunnel research from his Hayes aircraft factory to refine hull shape and sail design — a pioneering approach in 12 Metre development. Her structure was wood on steel frames and she was rigged as a Bermudan cutter, sail number K-16, home port Portsmouth.

Racing Success

Although early results were modest (5th place at Cowes Week in 1929), by the 1932 season Flica dominated. Out of 39 starts she logged 21 firsts, 8 seconds and 6 thirds. In 1933 she recorded 27 firsts, 10 seconds and 2 thirds from 45 races, and campaigned in Norway and Sweden parks of the Scandinavian 12 Metre circuit. A planned 12 Metre America’s Cup challenge was considered on the basis of her performance, but ultimately the challenge did not proceed.

Later Ownership & Fate

In 1934 Flica was sold by Sir Richard Fairey and acquired by Hugh L. Goodson of Brixham. Under his ownership she continued to race with good results into the mid-1930s. After the Second World War she changed hands multiple times and by the late 1970s she was listed as in need of full restoration. Her listed status in later registers shows “wood on steel frames, home port Birdham Pool (Great Britain), in need of total restoration.”

Legacy

Flica stands out in 12 Metre history as a boat where advanced industrial research met yacht racing ambition. Under Saber­tech practices she helped push the performance envelope of the Second Rule era. Her extraordinary record in the early 1930s earned her the reputation of “the boat to beat.” Though she did not contest the America’s Cup, her design legacy influenced subsequent 12 Metre development. Her survival into the modern era in need of restoration underscores the passage of time and the high value of historic metre-class vessels.