Classic 12fter Nimble to celebrate 50 years of Interdominion racing

Nimble, top NZ poinstscorer in the 1956 12ft skiff Interdominion being sailed by her designer and builder, Des Townson Townson Family

Nimble, "Q8", showing her full sailplan and modest bowsprit (by modern standards). © Townson Family

In association with the Auckland Sailing Club who are hosting the 50th edition of this event, the Chairman of Trustees of the Auckland Traditional Boatbuilding School Robert Brooke has announced that a replica of Nimble Q8 the leading points scorer in the New Zealand team that competed in the inaugural event held on Sydney Harbour in 1957, is now under construction in the school workshop at the former Hobsonville Airbase.

Robert had been interested in building a replica of Nimble as she was in essence the yacht from which both the Zephyr and Mistral classes Des Townson's much admired centerboard yachts were developed.

When Des passed away last year Robert and Brian Peet, the son of her skipper in that series John Peet, who had always admired her and had spent a number of years trying to find the original yacht, had even more incentive to fulfill their desire to see another Nimble sailing again.

As it turned out a conversation at the ATBS with a small group of ex 12ft Q Class sailors was the catalyst for getting the project underway in time to launch her at the 50th Regatta.

However since then a whole concept of developing a classic series involving either original or replica versions of yachts that competed in the initial series in Sydney, the second series in Auckland in 1958/59 season and the third series in Sydney in 1961 from which the format of annual events involving 12 boat teams from Australia was inaugurated.

While the prospect of undertaking such a task seemed a little far fetched given the time lag of nearly fifty years, a quick study of the craft involved in those series showed that it was indeed more than possible as examples of leading contenders from each of the series were in existence.

Nimble, showing her hallmark Townson lines © Townson Family

Well known yachting writer and commentator Neil Kennedy of Ned’s Locker fame who as well as working closely with Robert on various projects at the ATBS, has a vast knowledge of the 12 ft classes history, did some detailed research on the yachts that competed in those first three series and in consultation with yachtsmen who had competed in them came up with a small group of yachts that would provide not only an accurate representation but also a real sailing spectacle that would add a whole new dimension to the celebrations.

After talking with Ken Fyfe from the ASC with together with Richard Jones from the NSW 12ft skiff Association is already hard at work compiling a list of competitors who have sailed in the event, it was agreed that if a group of classic 12 footers could be assembled for the event it would add greatly to the attraction of the Regatta itself as it would provide a link to all those yachtsmen that had been involved in past series, and a focal point of interest to the wider sporting public to see the yachts of yesteryear sailing again.

A mix of 12ft skiffs ("Q" class) Cherubs and a Frostbite at Glendowie Boating Club. © Townson Family

Now that the construction of Nimble is underway, attention has turned to yachts from the second and third series which sailed for New Zealand. The standout from the second event was Kitty Q56 designed by Jim Young and sailed by John Peet which was the sensation of that year. Also the Cherub class made its debut that year, and in the third series the standout was the John Chapple designed Flamingo Q41 who was the first dual winner of the Silasec Trophy winning again in 1963 in Auckland. Also in that series were the Cherubs. A target list of yachts has been finalized and will be announced very shortly as already half of them have been located.

From the Australian side a list has also been drawn up and that will be announced in conjunction with the NZ boats.