Steak 'N' Kidney 12 KA 14

Background and Name

Steak ’N’ Kidney (KA-14) is a 12-Metre class yacht designed by Peter Cole and built in 1986 by Consolidated Marine of aluminium alloy. The name is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the British dish “steak and kidney,” which in Australian slang is also a nickname for the city of Sydney, the yacht’s home port.

Syd Fischer’s Challenge

The yacht was owned by Syd Fischer and formed the centerpiece of his second America’s Cup challenge. This campaign was plagued by financial difficulties, but Fischer managed to bring a new, fast yacht to the Defender Selection Series. Steak ’N’ Kidney underwent several modifications during the competition to improve performance. Despite these efforts, she placed fourth in the semifinals and was ultimately defeated by Kookaburra II.

Racing Career and Later Use

Steak ’N’ Kidney was built under the Third Rule version of the 12-Metre formula specifically for America’s Cup-related racing. After her role in the 1987 Defender Selection Series, she and her sister yacht Australia (KA-5) were later converted for day-sailing and charter purposes.

In 2011, both yachts were reacquired by the Australia 12m Historic Trust. They were returned to racing configuration and remain active participants in Australia’s historic 12-Metre fleet.

Current Status

Today, Steak ’N’ Kidney is listed as a sailing yacht in the 12-Metre Class database and is maintained in Sydney, Australia. She is part of the historic fleet organized by the Australian 12 Metre Association and continues to represent an important piece of Australia’s America’s Cup heritage.