Sovereign 12 K 12

Design and Launch

Sovereign (K-12) was designed by naval architect David Boyd and built by Alexander Robertson & Sons in Sandbank, Scotland. She was launched on June 6th, 1963, commissioned by J. Anthony J. Boyden for the Royal Thames Yacht Club. Built to the International 12 Metre “Third Rule,” she was constructed as Britain’s latest challenger for the America’s Cup.

Early Trials

Soon after her launch, Sovereign sailed against Sceptre (the 1958 America’s Cup challenger) on the Clyde. Although Sceptre won the early matches, Sovereign gradually improved as she became better tuned, eventually overtaking the older yacht, though often only narrowly. By August 1963, however, the Royal Thames Yacht Club Committee expressed concern over her inconsistent performance.

Kurrewa V and Selection

In response, Australian brothers Frank and John Livingstone funded the construction of a second yacht. To save time, they again turned to David Boyd, who designed Kurrewa V, a sistership to Sovereign with only minor differences. Before both yachts departed British waters, they held trial races in May and June 1964. After closely fought contests, Sovereign was officially chosen as Britain’s challenger for the America’s Cup.

The 1964 America’s Cup

In September 1964, Sovereign faced the American defender Constellation off Newport, Rhode Island. Despite her potential, Sovereign was defeated four races to none. The series highlighted the fine margins of 12 Metre racing, where even slight differences in hull form, sail trim, or crew work could decide outcomes.

Specifications

Sovereign measures 21.08 metres overall with a waterline length of 13.91 m, a beam of 3.81 m, and a draft of 2.71 m. She displaces around 28.38 tons and carries approximately 175 m² of sail. Built of wood, she represents the last generation of British wooden 12 Metre challengers before aluminum hulls became more common.

Legacy and Current Status

Though unsuccessful in the Cup, Sovereign remains an important part of British yachting history as the 1964 challenger and as a symbol of the Royal Thames Yacht Club’s continued pursuit of the Cup. Today, she survives as a classic yacht; as of 2009, she has been based at the Yacht Club de Cannes, sailing as part of the Mediterranean’s vibrant classic 12 Metre scene.