Northern Light 12 US 14

A Gift That Sparked a Journey

Built in 1938, Northern Light was a 24th birthday present for Alfred Lee Loomis Jr., given by his father to encourage him to stay home instead of going on his grand tour of Europe. This early history marked the beginning of a storied career for the yacht. Northern Light later found herself in the hands of Greek shipping tycoon Stavros Niarchos who, as Nereus, used her in the America’s Cup trials in 1958. She also participated in the Cup again in 1962 and 1964. After her service in the America’s Cup, Northern Light ended up in Pentwater, Michigan, where she continued to race, including participation in the famed Chicago-Mackinac Race.

Famous Racing Moments

The bow of Northern Light became iconic in the late 1930s, captured in the famous black-and-white Rosenfeld image titled “Flying Spinnakers”, which depicts the yacht chasing Gleam on Long Island Sound, New York. This image further cemented her place in sailing history.

A Tragic Sinking and Restoration

In 1984, Northern Light fell into difficult circumstances when her owner defaulted on boatyard payments. The boatyard eventually took ownership and, during a lake surge, impaled her on a piling, sinking the yacht. However, fate intervened when the late Bob Tiedemann purchased the yacht in a blind bid. Over the next two winters in Michigan, he undertook a massive restoration effort, replacing the steel floors with bronze, rebuilding the rudder, repairing the mast with Sitka spruce, and replacing planking on the hull. She was eventually relaunching in 1986 and sailed back to the East Coast to Newport, RI, where she was put to use for private charters.

A New Chapter in Newport

After the restoration, Northern Light’s original interior had been removed in the late 1970s. Her new interior was designed for chartering and racing, featuring a navigation area, a galley, cushioned settees, and a private head—making her ideal for both private charters and competitive racing. She quickly proved herself on the race course, winning several regattas, including the Classic Yacht Regatta in Newport, RI, and her class in the Edgartown Yacht Club 12-Metre Regatta. Notably, Northern Light placed 10th in the Classic Division at the 2001 World Championships in Cowes and second in the Vintage Division in 2009 in Newport.

From Newport to Sweden: A New Era

In 2020, Northern Light found a new home with Hans Eliasson and Lasse Molse, two Swedish gentlemen with a lifelong passion for racing. Eager to join the 12mR Baltic Fleet, they decided to purchase the yacht from Newport. After completing the purchase, the yacht was shipped to Gothenburg on a Wallenius ship, arriving on October 27, 2020. From there, it was transported to Vindövarvet, a yard 100 km north of Gothenburg, where the yacht underwent extensive renovations to prepare for her first season in Sweden. Leif Möller assisted with the transition to help the new owners get acquainted with the class.

Renovations and Structural Overhaul

As part of the restoration and upgrades, Northern Light received a variety of new components. The hull was glued, the aluminum boom was replaced, and an old aluminum mast was reconditioned. Additionally, stay and spreaders were updated, and a rebuilt cockpit was installed along with a new steering wheel, blocks, winches, and electronics. The yacht also received new sails.

During the restoration process, the wooden mast was found to be too weak to support the new sails, prompting the need for a stiffer aluminum mast. To support this new mast, the yacht’s hull had to be reinforced. Experienced 12mR expert Sam Murch was called in to oversee the necessary structural modifications. After several months of hard work, Northern Light was ready for testing once again.

The History of Ownership

Northern Light had a varied history of ownership over the years:

  • 1938-1939: Alfred L. Loomis Jr. (home port: New York, NY, USA)

  • 1940-1941: Van S. Merle-Smith (home port: Oyster Bay, NY, USA)

  • 1941-1952: Starling, Inc. (new name: Nereus, home port: New York, NY, USA)

  • 1952-1955: North American Shipping & Trading Co., Inc. (home port: Greenwich, CT, USA)

  • 1959-1961: Imperial Shipping Investment Co., Ltd. (Stavros Niarchos, home port: Hamilton, Bermuda)

  • 1962-1971: Wilbur E. Dow Jr. (home port: Oyster Bay, NY, USA)

  • 1971-1976: John B. Andreae & Buck L. Neesley (home port: Detroit, MI, USA)

  • 1976-1984: David G. Andrea (home port: Pentwater, MI)

  • 1984-Present: Northern Light Charters (Bob Tiedemann, home port: Newport, RI, USA)

Restoration and Future

By the mid-1980s, Northern Light required an extensive restoration due to her poor condition. Over a period of two years, she was reframed, had a third of her planking replaced, and received a new mast. The interior was rebuilt to match her new purpose for charters. Today, she is a celebrated vessel in the 12mR fleet, competing at the highest level while offering a glimpse into the past.