Easterner US 18
History of Easterner US 18
Year: 1958
Location: Annapolis, MD
Owner: Scott Bernard
Weatherly (US-17) is a celebrated 12 Meter class yacht that played a pivotal role in America’s Cup history, especially noted for her successful defense of the trophy in 1962. Designed by Philip Rhodes and built by Luders Marine Construction in 1958, Weatherly is a testament to the innovation and competitive spirit of yacht racing during the mid-20th century.
Design and Construction
Easterner was launched into an era of intense competition and innovation within the America’s Cup, as teams and designers sought to leverage new technologies and design philosophies to gain an edge. Hunt’s design for Easterner included several innovative features aimed at improving performance, particularly in the unpredictable wind and sea conditions characteristic of the America’s Cup races off Newport, Rhode Island.
The 1958 America’s Cup Campaign
Easterner was built to compete in the 1958 America’s Cup defender trials, with the goal of being selected as the yacht to defend the Cup against the British challenger Sceptre. The trials that year were highly competitive, featuring several newly built 12 Meters, each representing the pinnacle of contemporary yacht design and technology. Despite a strong showing, Easterner did not secure the role of defender, with that honor going to Columbia, which successfully defended the Cup that year.
Racing Career amd Legacy
Racing Career and Legacy Although Easterner did not defend the America’s Cup, her racing career continued in other prestigious yacht racing events. Under various ownerships and with different crews, Easterner remained a competitive force in the 12 Meter class, participating in races that showcased her innovative design and the skill of those who sailed her.
Preservation and Current Status
Over the years, Easterner has been the subject of efforts to preserve her as an important part of maritime and America’s Cup history. These efforts have aimed to maintain her condition and ensure that she continues to sail, offering current and future generations a direct link to the rich history of the 12 Meter class and the evolution of competitive yacht racing. Today, Easterner is celebrated as a classic example of mid-20th-century yacht design and as a vessel that embodies the spirit of competition and innovation that defines the America’s Cup. Her ongoing participation in regattas and sailing events serves not only to preserve her legacy but also to inspire continued interest in the history and future of yacht racing. Easterner’s story is a testament to the challenges and triumphs of America’s Cup competition, reflecting the enduring allure of sailing and the timeless quest for speed, performance, and innovation on the water.