12 Metre World Championship: it’s a wrap

Fourteen teams competed in the 2024 12 Metre World Championship on June 18-23 in Porquerolles, an island off the south of France. The entrants were divided into the Grand Prix division for yachts built from 1983 to 1987 and Moderns from 1963 to 1983.

• Group 1: France I, French Kiss, Crusader, South Australia, Kookaburra II, Kookaburra III, Kiwi Magic.
• Group 2: Thea, La Spina, Jennetta, Flica II, Nini Anker, Northern Light, Vim.

Although a strong mistral (22-36 knots) prevented racing on the last day of scheduled racing; the required six races were completed and the 2024 12mR World Champions have been named in the Vintage and Grand Prix Divisions – Northern Light (US-14) and Kookaburra II (KA-12).

“Despite challenging weather conditions, the Race Committee did a superb job. Even with two “no sail” days, they were able to run the necessary six races needed to qualify the 12mR World Championship,” said Chris Winter.

In the closely contested Vintage Division, Hans Eliasson’s (SW) Northern Light (US-14), skippered by Magnus Holmberg scored just 9pts. to edge out Thomas Müller’s (DE) Jenetta (K-1) and Christoph Avenarius’ (DE) Nini Anker (N-15) who claimed 2nd and 3rd place with 10 and 11points respectively.

“We are very proud to be world champions! When we bought the boat five years ago, our goal was to win the 2024 world championship and it’s done here in Porquerolles, we’re really happy,” said Hans Eliasson, owner Northern Light (US-14).

The 2024 12mR World Championship Competitors in the VINTAGE Division were:

Flica II (K-14), Christopher Bunning, BVI
Jenetta (K-1), Thomas Müller, DE
La Spina (I-1), Michael Creach, IT
Nini Anker (N-15), Christopher Avenarius, DE
Northern Light (US-14), Hans Eliasson, SW
Thea (D-1), Robert de Haer, DE
Vim (US-15), Patrick Howaldt, DN & Helmuth Henning, HK

In the Grand Prix Division; Patrizio Bertelli’s (IT) Kookaburra II (KA-12), skippered by Torben Grael (BR) sailed away with the 12mR Grand Prix Division Championship by winning all six of the races. Kiwi Magic (KZ-7) and French Kiss (F-7) finished in 2nd and 3rd place; moving both up in the Coupe de France Series leaderboard.

“This victory is the result of a lot of work by the team. We prepared, had good sails, and thanks to Mr. Bertelli we had an outstanding crew. It was great to sail with my friend Santi (Santigo Lange) for the first time, my great friend Marcelo (Marcelo Ferreira) who was my teammate for 25 years and my son too, it was a great experience for us,” said Torben Grael (BR), skipper, Kookaburra II (KA-12).

The 2024 12mR World Championship Competitors in the GRAND PRIX Division were:

Crusader (K-24), Richard Matthews, UK
France (F-1)*, Marc Bonduelle, FR
French Kiss (F-7), Christophe Babule, FR
Kiwi Magic (KZ-7), Christoffer Blach Petersen, DN
Kookaburra II (KA-12), Patrizio Bertelli, IT & Torben Grael, BR
Kookaburra III (KA-15), Jesper Banks, DN
South Australia (KA-8), Yann DelPlace, FR

“It is a great pride for the Porquerolles Yacht Club to have hosted the 12m JI world championship. The line-up was exceptional with the presence of legendary sailors. The races were intense, with difficult weather conditions for everyone. We are very lucky to have an extraordinary team of volunteers at the club, nothing would be possible without them,“ said Aurélie Lhuillier, Director of the Porquerolles Yacht Club.

Act II of the Coupe de France Series is now complete and reflected in the updated standings below. A disappointing performance at the Worlds by Coupe de France front-runner Vim (US-15) enabled 2nd place Kiwi Magic (KZ-7) and 3rd place French Kiss (F-7) to narrow the gap in the overall standings. The third and final Act III commences on September 4 at a special 12mR Regatta hosted by the RCNB at the Barcelona (SP) America’s Cup venue.

Details: https://12mrworlds.com/