Built in 1982 according to the International Third Rule- America’s Cup.
HISTORY:
1982-1983
Built according to the Third International Rule, she was designed for light weather sailing using computer calculations and hydrodynamic tests. In 1983, altered by David Pedrick, she entered the America’s Cup defender trails with Tom Blackaller as skipper.
1986-2000
In 1986, she served as the trail horse to Heart of America, the sold to Brian Mock of Newport Beach, CA who had an engine installed in 1989. She sailed the California coast through 1996 with owners B. Sheryl Geddes and Lance Brush (1993-1996) and Lawrence R. Spira (1996-1999). In 2000 she was sold to Ken Carrico of West Palm Beach, FL.
2017
Under ownership of Dennis Williams, Defender has undergone a complete refit. In her first return to the racecourse after 23 years, she took first place in the Around the Island Race at NYYC’s 163rd Annual Regatta / METREFEST NEWPORT 2017 on June 9, 2017.
2018
Donated to US Merchant Marine Academy Sailing Foundation
2019
Finished 7th in the Modern Division at the 2019 12mR World Championship at Newport
Jump to Twelve Metre Yacht Club, Newport Station Fleet page for Defender (US-33)
SPECS:
| Sail Number | US-33 |
| International Rule | THIRD Rule-AC |
| Year Built | 1982 |
| Designer | David R. Pedrick |
| Builder | Newport Offshore, Ltd. |
| Hull ID Number | design #: 20 |
| First Owner | Defender Courageous Gr.People to People |
| First Name | Defender |
| First Sail Number | US-33 |
| First Country | USA |
| Original Homeport | Newport, Rhode Island |
| Current Status / Condition | sailing |
| Current Owner | United States Merchant Marine Academy Sailing Foundation |
| Current Division | Modern |
| Construction | Aluminum alloy |
| Length Overall | 19.53 m. |
| Length Waterline | 13.56 m. |
| Beam | 3.76 m. |
| Draft | 2.67 m. |
| Sail Area | 167 sq. m. |
| Displacement | 24.05 t. |