Lionheart, K-18

Lionheart, K-18, photo by Martin Everard

Built in 1979 according to the International Third Rule- America’s Cup.

HISTORY:

1979-1980: Commissioned by the British Industry 1500 Club, Lionheart was a heavy displacement yacht built for the 1980 America’s Cup. Her most innovative feature was a “bendy” mast that increased her sail area by nearly 7%. She proved to be very fast in a straight line but had a lack of maneuverability when compared to other twelves. She was beaten by France II after a close fight at the 24th America’s Cup Challenger Trials.

1981-1983: Peter de Savary had her altered in 1982 and sailed her as a trail horse against Victory ’82 and Victory ’83. By 1991 she was in the U.S. managed by Intrepid Marketing with her home port in Seekonk, MA.

since 1991: Owned by Harry H. Graves, Lionheart is sailed and raced with the Newport 12 metre fleet.

*Content courtesy: The Twelve Metre Class by Dyer Jones & Luigi Lang

Jump to Twelve Metre Yacht Club, Newport Station Fleet page for Lionheart (K-18)

SPECS:

Sail Number K-18
International Rule THIRD Rule-AC
Year Built 1979
Designer Ian Howlett
Builder Joyce Brothers Marine
First Owner British Industry 1500 Club
First Name Lionheart
First Sail Number K-18
First Country Great Britain (GB)
Original Homeport Hamble
Other Names Lionheart of Wessex (1980) - Lionheart (1991)
Current Status / Condition sailing
Current Owner Harry Graves
Current Location Newport, RI (USA)
Construction Aluminum alloy
Length Overall 19.43 m.
Length Waterline 14.94 m.
Beam 3.73 m.
Draft 2.82 m.
Sail Area 170 sq. - 224 sq. - 222 sq. (1980) m.
Displacement 29.1 t.