Easterner - US 18

Easterner (12 Meter US-18) is regarded by many as the most beautiful racing sloop ever built. When America’s Cup competition was resumed in 1958 after a 21 year lapse with a new class of yachts, Chandler Hovey began his America’s Cup campaign by commissioning the 12 Meter Easterner. Hovey, a renowned yachtsman and former commodore of the Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead, Massachusetts, had been involved with the America’s Cup since 1930. Designed by C. Raymond Hunt, Easterner was built at Graves Yacht Yard in Marblehead.

After a late start in construction Graves Yacht Yard did a wonderful job of making up time on building Easterner. She was completed in just seventy-seven days and launched in Marblehead on June 27, 1958. After getting sailing practice on the trip south from Marblehead Easterner arrived in Newport, RI on July 9th with the salute of horns and gunfire. She seemed to be the hometown favorite for the America’s Cup defense.

There were four American contenders for the 1958 America’s Cup defense. Vim (12 Meter US-15), Columbia (12 Meter US-16), Weatherly (12 Meter US-17), and Easterner (12 Meter US- 18). Historian Norris D. Hoyt wrote, "The most beautiful of the three was the varnished Easterner..." In fact, during the 1958 America’s Cup hometown favorite, Easterner was even referred to as the "belle of the ball".

All the hull shapes of the 1958 America’s Cup defense contenders were tank-tested by Professor Davidson at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. As always, the results of the tests were kept secret while construction of the yachts was still in progress. However, after the information was no longer critical it was revealed that Easterner had tank-tested with the highest potential followed in order by Columbia, Weatherly, and, Vim. Unfortunately, the trials did not turn out that way.

Easterner was again an American contender for the America’s Cup defense off Newport, Rhode Island in 1962 and 1964, making her one of the only three time America’s Cup contenders.

SPECIFICATIONS:

LOA - 66'
LWL - 42'3"
Beam - 12'
Draft - 9'6"
Displacement - 66,000 lbs
Sail Area - 1,880 square feet
Designer - C. Raymond Hunt
Builder - Graves Shipyard, Marblehead, MA
Original Owner/Skipper - Chandler Hovey

Hovey eventually sold Easterner to Jack Ballie, who took the boat to Newport Beach, California and renamed her Newsboy. In 1995, Easterner was sold to her third and present day owner, Arthur Shlossman. After 28 years of sailing on the west coast, Easterner, was again given her original America’s Cup name and brought back to Newport, Rhode Island.

Easterner has been extensively refit to pristine condition. Decking, mast step, ring frames, engine and most hardware has been replaced or totally rebuilt. The interior was totally removed and was restored to Ray Hunt’s original architectural plans.

12 Meter Charters proudly offers the America’s Cup 12 Meter Easterner for charter. Join our captain and crew for an event aboard the 12 Meter Easterner and enjoy her speed and beauty under sail!

• From May through October Easterner, the three time America’s Cup contender, is available for charter through 12 Meter Charters in Newport, RI and throughout New England.
  
  
• Actively participate in sailing the America’s Cup contender, Easterner, or just sit back and enjoy the sights! No sailing experience is necessary to sail on Easterner or any of our America’s Cup twelve meters.
  
  
• Complete your day of America’s Cup sailing with Easterner’s 12 Meter Crew Gear available for purchase before, during, or after you sail.
  
  
• Please contact 12 Meter Charters for more information about chartering Easterner or any of our America’s Cup 12 Meters. Call us toll free at 800.820.1223 or email us sail@12metercharters.com .