Iyruna 12 K 11

A Tribute to International Yacht Racing

A 12 Metre Classic Born of Diplomacy and Design

Iyruna (K-11) is a historically significant 12 Metre yacht, designed and built under the International Second Rule in 1927. Her construction—wood on steel frames—was commissioned by Sir William P. Burton, then President of the Yacht Racing Association (YRA) in Great Britain. Originally launched under the name Euna, she was soon renamed Iyruna, an acronym celebrating the unification of international yacht racing authorities: the formation of NAYRU (North American Yacht Racing Union) and its membership in the IYRU (International Yacht Racing Union).

  • Construction year: 1927

  • Rig: Bermudan cutter

  • Cost: £4,800

  • Original hull color: Green

  • Home ports: Colchester, then Portsmouth, Great Britain

Sir William P. Burton, an influential figure in British sailing, had previously owned the 12mR Noresca and would later own Veronica, Marina, and Jenetta.

Early Racing Career (1927–1934)

From her debut, Iyruna was noted as a light-air performer. During her active racing years, she competed regularly with success in prominent regattas, including Cowes Week and Burnham-on-Crouch.

Notable Results:

  • 1929 Cowes Week: Fourth overall with one first-place finish

  • 1932: Fifth overall from 26 starts, with 2 wins, 5 seconds, and 1 third

  • 1933: Fourth out of 43 entries, earning 6 wins, 9 seconds, and 4 thirds

  • 1934: Second in the final 12mR race at Burnham-on-Crouch, though she placed last for the season overall

Changes and Ownership Transitions

1935–1937:
Owned by C.E.A. Hartridge, followed by a sale to Camper & Nicholsons Ltd., and later N.F. Adeney.
In 1937, Iyruna was converted to an auxiliary Bermudan cutter, with a 4-cylinder petrol engine installed and sail area reduced.

1937–1947:
Owned by F. Clarkson, who re-powered her in 1947.

1947–1952:
Owned by Mrs. F. Dobbs, with her home port listed as Caernarvon, Wales.

1953–1959:
Sold to J. Anthony J. Boyden of Portsmouth, who eventually removed the engine.

  • RORC rating: 50.76

1959–1962:
Refitted at Belsize Boat Yard Ltd., then acquired by Norman H. Woods of Poole.

1962–1963:
Jointly owned by G.H. Verner and P.N. Hallowes

1964–1965:
Records of activity are limited.

1966:
Final recorded owner: Thomas C. Bullock, based in Poole and Hamble.
Following this, Iyruna disappeared from Lloyd’s Register, and her subsequent fate is unknown.