Veronica 12 K 10

Design & Construction

VERONICA was designed by Alfred Mylne and built in 1931 in accordance with the International Second Rule. She was commissioned by Sir William P. Burton, for whom she was the third Twelve Metre, following Noresca and Iyruna. As built, VERONICA was rigged as a Bermudan sloop and represented a further refinement of Mylne’s successful British Twelve Metre designs of the early 1930s.

Racing Career (1931–1934)

VERONICA was actively raced by Sir William Burton between 1931 and 1934, during which time she proved to be one of the most consistent British Twelves of her generation.

In 1932, she finished second to Flica in many races. Out of 41 starts, she recorded 6 firsts, 12 seconds, and 8 thirds, starting in every race of the season.

The 1933 season marked her most successful year. Over the winter, her mast was moved significantly aft, a modification that notably improved her light-air performance. She won races at Burnham and Southend, raced on the Clyde against Iyruna and Zelita, and performed strongly at Cowes, again finishing second to Flica. Out of 50 starts, VERONICA achieved 22 firsts, 13 seconds, and 7 thirds.

In 1934, the first year of the International Third Rule, VERONICA finished fourth overall for the season behind Westra, Flica, and Miquette. From 40 starts, she recorded 5 firsts, 6 seconds, and 6 thirds. She was dismasted in the final Twelve Metre class race organized by the Royal Burnham Yacht Club.

Conversion to Cruiser-Racer

In 1935, VERONICA was purchased by Robert J. Dunlop, who was seeking a fast and weatherly cruising yacht. On the advice of Uffa Fox, Dunlop selected VERONICA, considering her unmatched in performance and accommodation.

Under the supervision of Alfred Mylne, VERONICA was converted from a Bermudan sloop to a Bermudan yawl. Her interior was completely rearranged, the deck layout modified, and a Kelvin 15 hp auxiliary engine installed. The conversion work was carried out at the Aldous shipyard in Brightlingsea. Following the conversion, her RORC rating was 55.27.

Later Ownership

After Dunlop’s ownership, VERONICA passed through the following hands:

  • 1935–1947: Robert J. Dunlop

  • 1947: Lieut. E. B. Chance

After 1947, VERONICA disappeared from Lloyd’s Register, and no further confirmed records of her existence are known.

Fate

The ultimate fate of VERONICA is unknown. She is presumed lost or broken up, but no definitive documentation has been found to confirm the circumstances.