Marina 12 K 6

Design & Construction

Marina was an International Third Rule 12 Metre, designed by Alfred Mylne & Co. (project no. 368) and built by Bute Slip Dock Co. Ltd. in 1935. She was constructed of wood planking on steel frames and carried the sail number K-6. Commissioned by Sir William P. Burton, Marina was the third Twelve Metre built for him, following Noresca and Iyruna (and preceding his later ownership of Veronica and Jenetta).

Owner

Sir William P. Burton was one of the leading figures of British yachting. He represented Great Britain at the 1906 London Conference, served as President of the Yacht Racing Association (Y.R.A.), and was widely regarded as an exceptional helmsman—described by The Yachtsman as the only Corinthian to handle a yacht with the skill of a professional. Burton also helmed Shamrock IV during the 1920 America’s Cup.

Rig Innovation

Marina was among the most advanced Twelves of her era. Alfred Mylne designed a new rig incorporating jumper struts, the first Twelve Metre to do so, eliminating the need for the topmast stay to be attached at the stemhead. The objectives were:

  • Improved jib shape and windward performance

  • Easier spinnaker handling and setting when running

The mast was also notable—83 feet (slightly taller than the typical 82 feet) and built to Mylne’s new specifications. Although conceived as a light-air boat, Marina proved strong and seaworthy, notably surviving heavy weather during passages.

Racing Record

1935 Season
Marina was widely regarded as the top Twelve of the year.

  • 39 starts: 14 firsts, 10 seconds, 5 thirds

  • Finished ahead of Westra, Flica, Miquette, Zelita, Vanity, and Iyruna
    She also safely completed her delivery passage from the Clyde to the South Coast despite encountering a gale.

1936 Season

  • Ballast modified and sail area reduced by a reef

  • 40 starts: 13 firsts, 11 seconds

  • Led Westra, Evaine, Flica, Vanity, and Vanity V

1937 Season

  • 3rd overall, behind Trivia and Evaine

  • 44 starts: 9 firsts, 11 seconds, 11 thirds

  • Dismasted twice during the season

1938 Season

  • Again 3rd overall, behind Trivia and Evaine

  • 41 starts: 4 firsts, 7 seconds, 7 thirds

Later Ownership

After 1939, Marina passed from Sir William P. Burton’s ownership. Subsequent owners included N. F. Adeney (home port Portsmouth) and later William P. and Donald Findlay, who purchased the yacht in Scotland. By the mid-1940s, she was laid up pending refit.

Loss

In April 1947, Marina was being towed from Brightlingsea south, reportedly for refit (likely at Camper & Nicholsons). During a severe gale off the Smalls—rocky islets at the southern end of the Irish Sea—the yacht broke twice from her tow, was driven onto the rocks, and became a total loss.

Historical Significance

Marina stands out in Twelve Metre history as:

  • One of Alfred Mylne’s most innovative Third Rule designs

  • The first Twelve to employ jumper struts

  • A yacht with an exceptional pre-war racing record

  • Closely associated with Sir William P. Burton, one of British yachting’s most influential figures