Metina 12 US 10

Mitena: A Legendary 12-Meter Racing Yacht

Launched: June 7, 1935
Design: #62 by Francis L. Herreshoff
Hull Number: 1275
Class: 12-Meter (Lloyd’s Rule International Rating Class)
Rig: Sloop
Longest 12-Meter Ever Built

Mitena, a racing yacht with a rich history, was built at the prestigious Herreshoff yard in Bristol, Rhode Island, for William Justice Strawbridge, a prominent yachtsman and America’s Cup financier. Launched in 1935, Mitena is the longest 12-meter sailing vessel ever constructed, representing the same class of vessel used in the America’s Cup. She was built in accordance with the International Third Rule, marking a milestone in yacht design.

Historical Owners & Home Ports

  • 1935-1939: William J. Strawbridge, home port: Glen Cove, NY (USA)

  • 1939-1940: Aemilius Jarvis & George E. Ratsey, home port: City Island, NY (USA)

  • 1940-1961: John Van Voorhis, home port: Rochester, NY (USA)

  • 1961-1963: Yale University, home port: New Haven, CT (USA)

  • 1964-1966: Charles S. Withey, home port: Macatawa Bay, MI (USA)

  • 1967-1969: Paul Brown, home port: Port Huron, MI (USA)

  • 1970-1975: Mitena Inc., R.F. Smith

  • Since 1994: Jim Henkey, home port: Port Huron, MI (USA)

Design & Features

Mitena was the first Twelve-meter vessel launched in the U.S. according to the third version of the International Rule. Notably, she was a very long Twelve, a characteristic attributed in part to her canoe-shaped stern, which resulted in a reduced sail area. Despite her inability to claim victory in regattas, Mitena raced in the Long Island Sound regattas up until 1939.

Legacy & Restoration

After being owned by various prominent figures and organizations, including a syndicate head for the Intrepid in 1967, Mitena faded from the racing scene. She reappeared in 1958 with an engine installation and continued to pass through different hands over the years.

By the early 2000s, Mitena was restored over several years by her dedicated owner and his son on a modest budget. Her current mast, potentially the original spar from Nyala, was reinstalled during this process. Mitena was relaunched around 2006, continuing her legacy as a stunning example of classic yacht craftsmanship.