Zinita 12 K 9, NED 1

A 1927 William Fife III Masterpiece

Zinita (K-8) was designed and built in 1927 by William Fife III at the renowned Fife yard in Fairlie, Scotland for Arthur C. Connel. One of the last Twelves launched by Fife before the Depression slowed international yacht building, Zinita was a purebred Second Rule 12 Metre, created for the golden age of regatta racing on the Clyde.

Constructed of mahogany planking on oak frames, her long overhangs and graceful sheer bear all the hallmarks of Fife’s genius — a perfect blend of beauty, balance, and speed. Through the decades she passed between owners across Scandinavia, remaining admired though often under-raced, until her rediscovery and full restoration in the late 20th century.

Restoration & Redesign

By the mid-1990s, Zinita had fallen into serious disrepair after decades of active life under multiple Scandinavian owners. She was acquired by Leo Aarens and Konrad Meier, who began a comprehensive restoration to return her to Fife’s original lines while subtly adapting her for modern cruising and regatta use.

A complete rebuild followed:

  • New deck and sail plan, retaining period proportions but optimized for smaller crews.

  • New interior, including an owner’s cabin, guest cabin, and a forward crew cabin.

  • A low superstructure was added to provide standing headroom, something Zinita never originally had.

  • In the saloon, four convertible berths were created for regatta crews, balancing authenticity with comfort.

Every element was designed to preserve her original spirit while ensuring she could once again compete and cruise with ease.

Racing & Events

Reborn to her former elegance, Zinita re-entered the 12 Metre circuit and took her place among her historic peers. Notably, she appeared at the America’s Cup Jubilee Regatta in Cowes (2001) as one of the oldest 12 Metre yachts in attendance — a tribute to her long life and the dedication of those who restored her.

Legacy

From her origins on the Clyde to her renewed life under the Dutch flag, Zinita (K-8 / NED-1) embodies the enduring legacy of William Fife III’s artistry. Her transformation from near ruin to full sailing condition is a model of sensitive restoration — a balance between history and modern function. Today she continues to grace Europe’s classic yacht regattas, her varnished hull and graceful sheer a timeless reminder of why Fife’s designs remain the benchmark for beauty in the 12 Metre class.