Magda XI 12 N 7

Design & Construction

Magda XI was built in 1928 to the International Second Rule. She was designed by Johan Anker as project no. 320 and built by Anker & Jensen in Norway. She was originally completed with a Bermudan cutter rig, reflecting contemporary Scandinavian Twelve Metre design practice of the late 1920s.

Norwegian Ownership and Early Success (1928–1931)

From 1928 to 1931, Magda XI was owned by Alfred W. G. Larsen, one of Norway’s most distinguished yachtsmen and the owner of the Olympic gold-medalist Magda IX. Her home port during this period was Oslo, Norway.

In 1930, Larsen entered Magda XI to represent the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club (KNS) at the 100th Anniversary Regatta of the Royal Swedish Yacht Club (KSSS). With Johan Anker serving as helmsman, Magda XI proved to be the best-performing 12 Metre at the jubilee regatta, winning her class outright—an achievement that underscored both Anker’s design and sailing mastery and Larsen’s continued influence in Twelve Metre racing.

Transfer to the United States – Cantitoe (1931–1941)

By 1931, the yacht had been acquired by Bayard S. Lichfield of New York, New York, renamed Cantitoe, and issued sail number US-7. During this transition, her rig was converted from a Bermudan cutter to a Bermudan sloop, consistent with prevailing American Twelve Metre practice.

Cantitoe quickly established herself as a competitive presence on the U.S. East Coast:

  • First U.S. season: 8 races – 1 first, 2 seconds, 1 third

  • 1932: 8 races – 1 first, 2 seconds, 2 thirds

  • 1933:

    • Winner of the 12 Metre Class at Larchmont Race Week

    • 9 starts – 5 firsts, 1 second, 2 thirds

Although actively raced, the yacht disappeared from Lloyd’s Register by 1941, a common occurrence for American-based Twelves of this era.

Final Ownership and Loss (1941–1949)

Later ownership included:

  • 1941–1942: A. A. Washton, home port New London, Connecticut

  • 1946–1947: Philip J. Corbin, home port Boston, Massachusetts

  • 1948–1949: George D. Chard

In the summer of 1949, Cantitoe was wrecked in a severe storm, driven ashore at Ipswich, Massachusetts, and buried in sand near Crane Beach. She was not recovered, marking the end of her career as an International 12 Metre.

Historical Significance

Magda XI holds an important place in Twelve Metre history as:

  • A Second Rule yacht designed by Johan Anker at the height of his influence

  • Part of Alfred W. G. Larsen’s Magda lineage, following the Olympic success of Magda IX

  • A proven transatlantic competitor, achieving class victories in both Scandinavia and the United States

  • A notable example of Scandinavian design adapted to American racing conditions