By SallyAnne Santos
Following the resounding success of the 2019 12mR World Championship held in Newport, RI, the International Twelve Metre Association (ITMA) has again selected America’s City by the Sea as the venue for the 2022 12mR World Championship. “We expect an enthusiastic response and a strong turnout by our dedicated 12mR fleet members who always relish sailing out of Newport,” said ITMA President Paul Buttrose.
Scheduled for September 19-24, 2022, the regatta will be held during the traditional 12 Metre sailing season established during 25 years (1958-1983) of America’s Cup competition in the waters off Newport. Many of the 12s competing were specifically designed for Rhode Island Sound’s early autumn weather conditions. Set against the same backdrop, the 2022 event will re-kindle iconic America’s Cup competition between numerous Auld Mug Defenders including US-16 Columbia (1958), US-17 Weatherly (1962), US-22 Intrepid (1967 & ‘70), US-26 Courageous (1974 & ‘77) and US-30 Freedom (1980).
© Stephen R Cloutier
The 12 Metre Yacht Club Newport Station, the official home of ITMA’s North American 12mR fleet, will coordinate all event activities in partnership with Ida Lewis Yacht Club, repeating their award-winning Race Management role. “Ida Lewis Yacht Club is pleased to be the Organizing Authority for the 2022 12 Metre World Championship,” said Ida Lewis Yacht Club’s current Vice Commodore Steven MacGillivray.
Recent 12mR World Champions expected to defend their titles include 2019 Modern Division winner Challenge XII (KA-10), owned by Jack LeFort, who also serves as Commodore of the 12 Metre Yacht Club Newport Station. “There is new energy and great momentum building in the 12mR Class,” said LeFort. “In Newport, we are excited to return to the race course to compete with old rivals and new challengers next season and through the 2022 Worlds.”
For more information, visit 12mrworlds.com. ■
