Tomahawk 12 K 13

Overview

Built in June 1939 by Camper & Nicholson Ltd. to the International Third Rule, Tomahawk (sail number K 13) is one of the last and finest Twelves constructed before the Second World War. Designed by Charles E. Nicholson for Sir Thomas Octave Murdoch Sopwith, she was conceived as a fast, innovative yacht to challenge the very best in Britain and abroad. Today, she remains in La Spezia, Italy, lovingly maintained and racing among the Mediterranean vintage fleet.

Origins and Early Racing Career (1939 – 1947)

Commissioned by T. O. M. Sopwith, Tomahawk was built alongside such notable contemporaries as Jenetta, Ornsay, and Flica II. Sopwith sought a powerful new Twelve to race against his friend and America’s Cup rival Harold Vanderbilt, who was then constructing Vim for competition in Britain.
Although Vim introduced radical new design concepts, Tomahawk proved exceptionally fast and became the best British Twelve of the 1939 season, securing 11 firsts, 11 seconds, and 5 thirds from 41 starts. Her design incorporated forward-thinking features such as stainless-steel shrouds and an early “coffee-grinder” winch system. The distinguished crew included Sopwith at the helm, Lady Sopwith trimming sails, Ernst Scarlett as tactician, and Charles E. Nicholson, among others. Her original home port was Portsmouth, England, sailing under the British ensign with sail number K 13.

Ownership and Restoration History

  • 1947 – 1955: Lt. Col. Sir Ralph Gore, then President of the Yacht Racing Association.

  • 1956 – 1962: Avv. Giovanni Agnelli, Savona (Italy); an engine was installed in 1962.

  • 1963 – 1965: Susanna Agnelli Rattazzi, Savona and Viareggio (Italy).

  • 1966 – 1979: Circolo del Remo e della Vela “Italia”, Naples.

  • 1980 – 1981: A. Randazzo of Palermo; competed in the 1981 Middle Sea Race.

  • 1982 – 1986: Kari Blaudet, Finale Ligure; used for charter and winner of the 1983 Veteran Boat Rally at Porto Cervo.

  • Since 1987: Alberto Rusconi, La Spezia and Lavagna (Italy). Under Rusconi’s ownership, Tomahawk became the first Twelve Metre to be restored for the new “renaissance” of the class in the Mediterranean.

The restoration, completed at Cantiere Beconcini under the supervision of Giorgetti & Magrini, emphasized luxury cruising while maintaining the yacht’s elegant racing lines. Although not a strict return to her 1939 specification, Tomahawk’s rebirth inspired renewed interest in vintage Twelves and helped spark a broader revival of the class across the Mediterranean. Future plans envision a full restoration returning her to her original racing configuration.

Legacy

From her origins as one of the fastest pre-war Twelves to her role in revitalizing the Mediterranean fleet decades later, Tomahawk embodies the evolution and endurance of the 12 Metre Class. Her graceful lines, storied ownership, and continued presence on the water reflect both her historic importance and her enduring beauty—a true symbol of the craftsmanship and spirit that define the International Twelve Metre Association.