Nini Anker 12 N 15

A Legacy Realized

Design & Background

Nini Anker (N-15) is the last of 20 Twelves conceived by the famed Norwegian naval architect Johan Anker in 1939. This design, known as Design #434, was Anker’s final contribution to the 12-meter class. However, the onset of World War II and Anker’s passing shortly after halted the project, leaving the yacht unrealized for decades.

A Modern-Day Revival

It wasn’t until 2010 that the design came to life when Erik Tingleff Larsen commissioned Robbe & Berking Classics to build the yacht based on the original plans from the Johan Anker Foundation at the Norwegian Maritime Museum in Oslo. After a meticulous 3-year construction process, following the International Third Rule, Nini Anker (N-15) became the first wooden 12mR yacht to be launched in decades, marking a historic moment in yachting.

Racing Debut & Performance

After 81 years, Nini Anker made her long-awaited racing debut in 2020 at Flensburg, Germany. Skippered by her owner, Christoph Avenarius (DE), the yacht demonstrated remarkable performance. Nini Anker has since become a consistent contender in the 12mR class, finishing a close second to Vim (US-15) at the 2024 Pre-Worlds, proving her competitive edge on the international stage.

Specifications & Craftsmanship

The yacht's specifications reflect the classic elegance and performance of Johan Anker’s designs, with a length overall (LOA) of 21.65 meters, a beam of 3.60 meters, and a draft of 2.64 meters. The sail area is 174 square meters. With a mahogany hull and teak deck, Nini Anker maintains the traditional craftsmanship of her era while embracing modern advances in design and performance.

Legacy and Future

As one of the last wooden 12mR yachts built to the Third Rule, Nini Anker (N-15) continues to race, maintaining the spirit and legacy of her designer. Her debut in competitive racing, alongside her modern restoration and design improvements, shows that the Nini Anker is not just a tribute to the past, but a vessel continuing to compete at the highest level in yachting today.