Wings 12 K 15

A 1937 Charles E. Nicholson Masterpiece

Wings (K-15), designed by Charles E. Nicholson and built by Camper & Nicholson in 1937, remains a superb example of the Third-Rule 12 Metre class—graceful, balanced, and enduringly fast. Constructed of mahogany planking on oak frames, she reflects Nicholson’s mastery of proportion and lightness, with clean lines and precise handling that made her one of the most admired Twelves of her era.

Commissioned by Belgian industrialist Maurice Solvay, Wings was launched as an auxiliary Bermudan sloop and maintained to the highest standards. From the Mediterranean’s regatta circuits to the northern waters of today’s Baltic fleet, she has lived a long, distinguished life defined by craftsmanship, care, and competition.

Ownership & History

  • 1937 – 1960 | Maurice Solvay (Belgium)
    Launched as Wings; rigged as an auxiliary Bermudan sloop. After 1951, annual maintenance was carried out by Cantieri Baglietto, Varazze (Italy).

  • 1960 – 1961 | Estate of Maurice Solvay

  • 1961 – 1962 | T. W. Dupré

  • 1962 | Duke Edoardo Visconti di Modrone – Cannes (France)

  • 1962 – 1964 | Millstone Cruising Co. Ltd. – Cannes (France)

  • 1965 – 1970 | Georges Teychené – Bandol & Marseille (France)
    Converted to auxiliary yawl and re-powered in 1969.

  • 1970 – 1979 | Jean Goutail – Marseille (France)
    Renamed Mohita II.

  • 1980 – 2000 | Mr. Turlan
    Renamed Aile (c. 1994); re-rigged as an auxiliary ketch.

  • 2001 – 2016 | John Lister – Tetbury (Gloucestershire, UK)
    A major refit began in 2002 under Guy Ribadeau-Dumas, featuring a new deck, engine, and interiors. In 2006-07, at Chantier du Guip, the hull was completely rebuilt under the same architect’s supervision.

  • 2016 – Present | Copenhagen (Denmark)
    Wings joined the Finnish-Danish syndicate led by Philipp Skafte-Holm, bringing her into the Baltic 12 Metre fleet.

Racing & Recent Achievements

Since joining the Baltic circuit, the Wings (K-15) syndicate has become a top contender—leading regional regattas since 2017. Their philosophy combines excellence on the water with strong camaraderie ashore.

“Our success comes from a close community of men and women who race, maintain, transport, and celebrate the boat together,” says Skafte-Holm. “Racing in Helsinki among the best—including Nyala (US-12)—is an honor and a celebration of what unites us.”

Today, Wings continues to race actively from her base in Copenhagen, carrying forward the Nicholson legacy into the modern era of vintage 12 Metre competition.

Legacy

From her Belgian origins to her Danish rebirth, Wings (K-15) tells a story of resilience, artistry, and fellowship. Faithful to her 1937 design yet honed by decades of thoughtful restoration and racing, she remains both a historical treasure and a living, competitive force within the 12 Metre Class.