Miquette 12 K 14

Miquette (K-14): A Vintage 12-Metre Racing Yacht with a Storied History

Built in 1934 by the renowned Scottish boatyard William Fife & Sons, Miquette (K-14) is a classic 12-Metre racing yacht that has captivated yacht enthusiasts and sailors for decades. Designed according to the Third International Rule, which governed the 12mR class from 1933 to 1950, Miquette is a true testament to Fife’s design genius and craftsmanship.

Early Racing Success

Her debut in 1934 marked the beginning of an illustrious racing career. Commissioned by R. S. Grigg, Miquette gained significant attention at the start of the season, as her predecessors from the yard had shown disappointing results. The new yacht's success at the Burnham-on-Crouch races was a major highlight, securing a victory against Veronica. By the end of the season, Miquette finished third overall—just one point behind second place—after achieving 37 starts, 10 firsts, 9 seconds, and 8 thirds, outperforming many of her competitors.

Ownership History and Transitions

After her early success, Miquette changed hands multiple times. From 1935 to 1937, she was owned by R.S. Grigg, based in Greenock, Great Britain. During this time, she continued to race successfully under her Bermudan sloop rig. She was later owned by H.L. Wessel, the Chilean Ambassador, with her home ports spanning Copenhagen and Valparaiso. In the 1935 season, she placed fourth in a competitive fleet with 29 starts, achieving 3 firsts, 3 seconds, and 5 thirds.

In the late 1930s, she was acquired by Austin H. O'Connor and remained under his ownership until the early 1940s. O'Connor made significant modifications, including the installation of an engine in 1939.

Restoration and Modern Ownership

Over the years, Miquette changed hands up to a dozen times, her fortunes and condition shifting with each new owner. By 1991, she was acquired by Albert Obrist, a classic yacht enthusiast and owner of the Fife design archive. Miquette was laid up on the Hamble, awaiting restoration by a new owner who could take advantage of the world-class facilities at the Fairlie Restorations shipyard.

In 2013, Allan Dyke purchased the yacht and began an extensive restoration project that would last three and a half years. The aim was to return Miquette to racing condition, preserving her history while ensuring she was fully capable of competing again. The project was documented in a 2016 video titled "Miquette Restored 12m Yacht."

A New Era for Miquette

After the completion of the restoration in 2016, Miquette was listed by the International 12 Metre Association (ITMA) as being "in need of refit," though she remained in good condition overall. As of late 2022, the yacht was based in Hamble, Great Britain, awaiting her next chapter.

In 2023, plans were announced for Miquette's return to the water at the prestigious Regates Royales regatta in Cannes, marking her first major competitive appearance post-restoration.

Notable Details and Misunderstandings

It is important to distinguish Miquette (K-14) from a similarly named 12mR, Flica II (K-14), built in 1939. Both yachts raced in the same era and shared the same sail number, which has caused some confusion over the years. While Flica II was a significant contender in her own right, it is Miquette that boasts the earlier racing successes and a long history of ownership and restoration.

Key Specifications & Ownership Timeline

  • Design: Built under the Third International Rule for 12mR class yachts

  • Original Owner: R. S. Grigg (1934-1937), Greenock, Great Britain

  • Rig: Bermudan sloop rig

  • Home Ports: Various, including Greenock, Copenhagen, Valparaiso, and London

  • Restoration: Comprehensive restoration by Allan Dyke (2013-2016)

  • First Regatta Post-Restoration: Planned for September at the Regates Royales in Cannes, France

Miquette (K-14) is a piece of yachting history—a vintage 12-Metre with a competitive spirit and an enduring legacy. From her impressive debut season in 1934 to her modern restoration and return to competitive racing, she remains a symbol of the craft, elegance, and speed of the Fife-designed 12mR yachts.