Heritage - US 23

Newest in the 12 Meter fleet - 1970 America's Cup contender and ocean racing champion!

In 1970 the colorful Charley Morgan took on a monumental task. He singlehandedly designed, financed, built, made the sails and skippered his own America's Cup campaign in Heritage (12 Meter US-23). An "outsider from the south" he even sailed the boat on its own bottom from St. Petersburg, Florida to Newport, Rhode Island to compete in the 1970 America's Cup trials. There were four 12 Meters competing for the America's Cup defense in 1970: Weatherly (12 Meter US-17), Intrepid (12 Meter US-22), Heritage (12 Meter US-23), and Valiant (12 Meter US-24). Heritage started the trials off well with a win over Weatherly but was later knocked out of the trials by Intrepid, beginning a fierce rivalry between Heritage and Intrepid.

1970 would be Heritage's only America's Cup race. However, this was not the end of her racing career. After her America's Cup campaign Heritage was sold and converted into and ocean racer. Metal bunks, a head (nautical toilet), galley, and engine were installed and a new racing era for Heritage began.

Heritage campaigned in races throughout the East Coast and in the Great Lakes. During the 1980's Heritage met up again with her old rival, Intrepid, on the Great Lakes and avenged her previous America's Cup defeat. Throughout the 1970's and 1980's Heritage dominated "big boat" racing winning many of the prestigious races in the northeast including consecutive wins of the Chicago to Mackinac race in 1983 and 1984.

In the late 1980's Heritage left the Great Lakes and sailed south. On the way she stopped in Antigua and won Antigua Race Week for the second time. Next, Heritage sailed to Venezuela, then through the Panama Canal, and up to California.

SPECIFICATIONS:

LOA -63'
LWL - 50'
Beam - 12' 6''
Draft - 10'8''
Displacement - 70,000 lbs
Sail Area - 1,785 square feet
Designer - Charley Morgan
Builder - Morgan Yachts, St. Petersburg, FL
Original Owner/Skipper - Charley Morgan

For more information about Charley Morgan and Morgan Yachts visit:
CharleyMorgan.com

In 1990, Heritage was purchased and brought back to New England by her present owner, Jeffrey Barrows. Under his ownership Heritage has remained a racing machine, dominating the New England and Newport racing circuit. She is a three time winner of Nantucket's Opera House Cup, and was first to finish at OHC in 2003. She is a two time winner of Figawi and wins races daily in Newport!

12 Meter Charters is delighted to offer charters aboard the America's Cup contender and racing champion, Heritage. Sleek and fast, Heritage offers pleasureful sailing experiences to all her guests. Join the winning tradition and sail with owner/captain Jeff Barrows and crew aboard the dashing 12 Meter Heritage !

• From May through October Heritage, the America's Cup contender and ocean racing champion, is available for charter through 12 Meter Charters in Newport, Rhode Island and throughout New England.
• As with all our America's Cup twelve meter yachts no sailing experience is necessary to sail on the sleek 12 Meter Heritage. Guests of the speedy 12 Meter racer, Heritage, are encouraged to take the helm, raise the main sail or help grind the sails.
• Complete your America's Cup sailing experience aboard Heritage with 12 Meter Crew Gear. Heritage hats, polos, tee-shirts, vests, and sweatshirts are available for purchase before, during, or after your America's Cup sail.
• Please contact 12 Meter Charters for more information about chartering Heritage or any of our America's Cup 12 Meters and our customized sailing charters. Call us toll free at 800.820.1223 or email us sail@12metercharters.com .
  
  
  

  Second and third photo by John Morgan. www.jfmorgan.com