Moyana 12 K 3

(1929)

Design & Construction

The second Moyana was built in 1929 to the International Second Rule by William Fife III at Fairlie, Scotland, for Wilfred Leuchars, a wealthy South African solicitor. She was the second Twelve built for Leuchars by Fife, and the third yacht overall to carry the name Moyana.

She was rigged as a Bermudan sloop and carried the sail number K-3, transferred from the original Moyana (1926). Her original home port was Greenock, Great Britain.

Early Racing Success (1929–1931)

Owner: Wilfred Leuchars
Name: Moyana

Moyana immediately established herself as a top-flight Second Rule Twelve. At Cowes Week 1929, she recorded three first places and finished second overall after six races, beaten only by Mouette. She defeated a strong fleet including Rhona, Iyruna, Flica, Iris, and Doris.

This performance confirmed her reputation as one of the dominant British Twelves of the period.

Morwenna Period & Northern European Campaigns (1932–1938)

Owner: Captain John Bruce Bolitho
New Name: Morwenna

Renamed Morwenna, the yacht embarked on an intensive racing program. In 1932, she entered 37 races, scoring 4 firsts, 4 seconds, and 5 thirds.

In 1933, she was steered by Sir Ralph Gore and was considered competitive with Veronica and Zoraida, with Flica still regarded as the scratch boat of the fleet. That season included participation in:

  • The KNS Jubilee Regatta in Oslo (light airs, no placings)

  • A regatta at Copenhagen, where she recorded the only win on the opening day

  • A return south in company with Vema III, Doris, Flica, and Princess Svanevit to compete at Cowes Week

By the end of the 1933 season, she had placed third overall behind Flica and Veronica, with a season tally of 5 firsts, 5 seconds, and 8 thirds from 31 entries. Racing activity declined after 1934.

Kaylena & Transition from Racing (1938–1949)

Owner: Sir Walter R. Preston
New Name: Kaylena
Home Port: Jersey, Channel Islands

Renamed Kaylena, the yacht entered a new phase. An engine was installed in 1939, and ownership later passed to the Estate of Sir Walter R. Preston, followed by Kenneth H. and Bryan W. Preston.

Post-War Ownership & Trial Horse Role (1950–1964)

Owner: Major Sir R. N. MacDonald-Buchanan
Home Port: Southampton, Great Britain

Under this ownership, Kaylena was RORC-rated (56.47) and notably served as a trial horse for Sceptre during preparations for the 1958 America’s Cup—a well-documented and historically significant role.

Service Use & Final Years (1965–1970)

  • 1965–1968: Dorset Association of Boys’ Clubs (Poole, Great Britain)

  • 1969: Sea Cadet Corps (Portsmouth, Great Britain)
    – Re-powered in 1969
    – Rig altered to ketch

Following this period, the yacht disappeared from Lloyd’s Register.

Loss

Moyana (ex Morwenna, Kaylena) was reported sunk in the United Kingdom around 1970, bringing to an end the life of one of the most successful British Second Rule Twelves of the interwar era.

Historical Significance

The 1929 Moyana is notable for:

  • Her second overall finish at Cowes Week 1929

  • Sustained success across British and Northern European regattas

  • Serving as a trial horse for Sceptre in the 1958 America’s Cup

  • A rare example of a top-class racing Twelve later adapted for youth and service sailing