12-Metre Class, CRUSADER

Broker’s Comments

CRUSADER (now back to her original name; the “White” in “White Crusader” was added due to sponsorship from White Horse Whisky just before the 1987 America’s Cup) is an absolute icon of British racing history. Designed and built for the last America’s Cup in the 12-metre class, she benefited from years of development in the class and advanced aluminium technology and skills at the time.

She has been well-loved and cherished by her current owner, and more importantly, she has been used and not left to stand idle. The benefits of owning a boatyard have given her the best stable to lie in, and for the 2024 World Championship in France, she has been given a large service, with a 2024 set of North sails in order to compete as best as she can.

She offers the next owner not only an impressive slice of British yacht racing history (one that will not rot) but also the experience of sailing a 12-metre upwind in a stiff breeze, perfectly balanced and trimmed, something that words really cannot describe.

Aside from the incredibly infectious class racing, 12m yachts also hold their own in handicap racing, and have been well placed in regattas including race wins at Cowes week against the most modern carbon raceboats.

Owner’s Comments

CRUSADER, built by Cougar Marine in Southampton, was launched in January 1985 at the London Boat Show by HRH Princess Diana.

She was designed by Ian Howlett as Britain’s challenger for the 1987 America’s Cup in Fremantle, Australia. CRUSADER was competitive, but ultimately the elimination series was won by Dennis Conner with Stars and Stripes, who went on to win the America’s Cup from the Australians.

In 1990, Richard Matthews, the founder and then owner of Oyster Yachts, acquired CRUSADER from Graham Walker, the principal of the British challenge. Retaining the original rig and deck gear, an engine was installed, guardrails were fitted, and the yacht was outfitted as a cruiser-racer for use in UK waters. CRUSADER completed four Fastnet races and proved to be very competitive racing under the IRC rating rule. Results included the Burnham Town Cup, twice winning the coveted Britannia Trophy and the Gold Cup during Cowes Week, as well as winning a number of offshore races, including an overall win in the RORC Cowes – Saint Malo race.

For the 2001 America’s Cup 150th Jubilee Regatta in Cowes, CRUSADER returned to her original 12-metre configuration, with the engine, guardrails, and accommodation removed. Racing in the Grand Prix division, she won one race and was third in her class in the regatta, which was arguably one of the largest and most competitive gatherings of the 12-metre fleet ever held.

Over several seasons up to 2013, CRUSADER had a series of friendly boat-for-boat races with her near-sister ship, Italia. Afterward, Italia changed hands, and CRUSADER was laid up ashore at Fox Marina for several seasons. A new engine was installed, and in October 2020, she was launched to commission a new Doyle mainsail but was laid up ashore again from 2021 to 2023.

2024 is very much ‘a summer of the 12s,’ for which CRUSADER was extensively refitted in preparation for the 12-metre World Championship event in Porquerolles, France, in June 2024. She is also expected to take part in a special invitational 12-metre regatta based in the America’s Cup marina in Barcelona during the elimination series for the 2024 America’s Cup contest. CRUSADER is also expected to participate in the Regatta Royales in Cannes and the Voiles de St. Tropez, where the 12-metres will race in their own class.

In preparation for the 2024 season, refit work included a complete overhaul of her hydraulic systems, winches, and deck gear, and an upgrade of the B&G sailing instruments with a new masthead system, compass, processor, and additional MFD. Her mast has always been stored under cover; spars and standing rigging were checked, and new running rigging was installed. Her 12-metre certification was revalidated, including a larger mainsail to utilize her engine and propeller allowance. A total of six new North sails were purchased in ’24, giving her a complete race inventory. There are many other sails and an inventory of spare parts included together with a 40ft container.

After 34 years with CRUSADER,Richard ,now 75, has decided it is time to find a new owner to take her forward to her next chapter of adventures. She is priced to sell and serious enquiries are invited.