Vim 12 US 15

Sparkman & Stephens’ Masterpiece – The American Legend in the Baltic Fleet

Vim (US-15), designed by Olin Stephens of Sparkman & Stephens and commissioned by Harold S. Vanderbilt, is among the most celebrated yachts in 12 Metre history.
Built by Henry B. Nevins of City Island, New York, and launched on April 29, 1939, Vim embodied the very latest hydrodynamic thinking and quickly proved herself to be the fastest Twelve of her generation. Her home port was originally Newport, Rhode Island, but today she proudly races as part of the Baltic Fleet, sailing from Copenhagen, Denmark, under the burgee of the Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub.

Design and Innovation

Built under the Third International Rule, Vim pushed the 12 Metre formula to its limits. Her mahogany planking over oak frames was light yet strong, and she carried one of the earliest aluminium masts in the Class.
Her rudder was attached directly to the keel, consistent with her era, but she was also equipped with remarkable innovations: faired rigging to reduce wind resistance, an early two-speed coffee-grinder winch system, and even a trim tab on the rudder blade—a concept borrowed from aircraft design that allowed the helm to fine-tune balance mid-race. These refinements made Vim exceptionally quick, responsive, and ahead of her time.

Racing Triumphs of 1939

After launching, Vim crossed the Atlantic to challenge the British 12 Metre fleet. In that landmark 1939 season, she dominated the Royal Thames Yacht Club Jubilee Regatta, defeating Britain’s best—including Endeavour II, Flica II, Trivia, and Jenetta.
Under Vanderbilt’s helm, she won 19 of 28 races, earning praise from Yachting World’s Heckstall-Smith for her superior design, lighter spars, more powerful winches, and expert crewmanship.
When racing ceased at the outbreak of World War II, Vim already stood as the undisputed benchmark of pre-war Twelve-Metre design.

Post-War Career and America’s Cup Legacy

After the war, Vim returned to American waters and remained a competitive force.
Under new ownership by John N. Matthews, she won multiple trophies including the Astor Cup (1952) and Queen’s Cup (1955).
In 1958, Vim was selected as the trial horse for Columbia (US-16) during America’s Cup Defender trials. Refit by Sparkman & Stephens with a new rig, Dacron sails, and updated structure, she pushed Columbia to the limit—losing by only seconds in several trials. Columbia went on to win the Cup, with Vim’s performance widely credited as instrumental in tuning the Defender.
Her image graced the cover of LIFE Magazine on August 4, 1958, cementing her place in sailing history.

Australian Years and Later Life

From the late 1950s, Vim’s career took her across the globe. She was chartered by Sir Frank Packer, who used her as a training and tuning partner for his Australian challengers Gretel (1962) and Dame Pattie (1967).
By 1965, she was based in Sydney, later sailing for Gretel II in the 1970 Cup preparations. Subsequent owners included Yenchap Estates Pty Ltd. and Dr. Tony Fisher, who maintained her racing condition through the 1970s and early 1980s.

In 1985, Vim was purchased by Paul and Yvonne Maule, who undertook a careful restoration at Ken Beashel’s yard, reinstating her original rig and interior.
Further refits followed in 1990 under Alberto Rusconi (La Spezia / Genoa), including a new deck and hull work at Cantiere Navale dell’Argentario in 2003.

Baltic Fleet Renaissance

In 2014, Vim was acquired by Patrick Howaldt of Denmark and joined the Baltic Fleet, sailing under the Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub.
She remains in immaculate condition and continues to compete at the highest level of vintage 12 Metre racing. In 2021, Vim (US-15) captured the 12 Metre World Championship (Vintage Division) in Helsinki — a fitting achievement for a yacht still commanding respect more than 80 years after her launch.

Enduring Legacy

Vim (US-15) bridges the eras of classic craftsmanship and modern performance. She influenced generations of Sparkman & Stephens Twelves — from Columbia and Constellation to Courageous — and remains a living testament to Olin Stephens’ design brilliance.
Today she is one of the best-preserved, actively racing Vintage Twelves in existence, her long, elegant lines still slicing through the water with the grace that first astonished the sailing world in 1939.