Flica II 12 K 14

The Last Fife-Built 12 Metre and a Pioneer of the Modern Era

A Landmark Launch in Yachtbuilding History

Flica II (K-14) was launched in 1939, marking the end of an era as the final yacht built by the legendary W. Fife & Son yard, which had operated for 140 years. Designed by Laurent Giles to the 12mR Third Rule, she was not just the last of the Fife legacy—but also one of the first 12 Metres built with modern America's Cup aspirations.

A Legacy Rooted in Innovation

The story of Flica II began over a decade earlier. In 1928, aviation pioneer Sir Richard Fairey partnered with designer Charles Nicholson to research and develop a groundbreaking Second Rule 12 Metre, the original Flica (K-16). She dominated the racing circuit under Fairey’s command and was widely regarded as the best 12 Metre of her time.

In 1934, Flica was sold to Hugh Goodson, who continued her winning streak until 1938. Intent on pursuing America’s Cup ambitions, Goodson commissioned Flica II (K-14) as her successor.

Ahead of Her Time

Flica II competed alongside other exceptional 12 Metres of her day, including:

  • Vanity V (K-5) by William Fife

  • Jenetta (K-1) by Alfred Mylne

  • Tomahawk (K-13) by Charles Nicholson

  • Vim (US-15) by Olin Stephens

She incorporated advanced design features well ahead of her time:

  • Tank testing

  • Aluminum spars

  • Rudder trim tabs

  • Rod rigging

  • Coffee grinder-style winches

America’s Cup Aspirations

In 1958, the New York Yacht Club accepted the first post-war America's Cup challenge from the Royal Yacht Squadron, led by Goodson. Although Flica II was tested against Evaine (K-2) and Sceptre (K-17), it was Sceptre that ultimately represented the UK in the challenge against Columbia (US-16), who successfully defended the Cup.

A Life Beyond the Cup

In the years that followed, Flica II passed through numerous hands and underwent significant changes:

  • 1958: Won the 12mR Class at Cowes Week

  • 1961: Claimed the Royal Thames Yacht Club Queen’s Cup

  • 1964: Converted to an auxiliary yawl with the addition of an engine

  • 1968: Mast moved forward; fitted with a doghouse and portholes, converted to an auxiliary ketch

  • 1978: Disappeared from the Lloyd’s Register

Rescue and Restoration

In 1989, Flica II was discovered abandoned on a Caribbean shoreline by Robert Tiedemann. He salvaged the hull and sold her to Bruno Pozzi, who commissioned a comprehensive restoration at Camper & Nicholsons. By then, only the keel, rudder, and some planking remained original.

Between 1993 and 1999, under owners Stefano and Francesca Tanzi, Flica II returned to competitive glory in the Mediterranean, winning the Coppa Europa in 1995.

A Star of the Vintage Division

In 2000, Flica II was purchased by Alexander Falk, who brought her to Hamburg, Germany, joining the Northern European fleet of the International Twelve Metre Association (ITMA).

Today, she remains meticulously maintained and continues to race successfully in both Baltic and Mediterranean regattas. With her distinctive black hull, off-white sails, and teak deck, Flica II is a standout presence in the Vintage division—an enduring icon of innovation and elegance on the water.