Onawa US 6
Onawa -US 6
Year: 1928
Location: Newport, RI
Owner: McMillen Yachts, Inc
The 12 Meter yacht Onawa (US-6) is among the oldest and most storied vessels in the class, embodying a rich tapestry of sailing history, craftsmanship, and competitive spirit. Designed by W. Starling Burgess and built by Abeking & Rasmussen in Germany in 1928, Onawa represents a unique blend of American design and European craftsmanship, a rarity given the era and the competitive nature of America’s Cup yachts.
Design and Construction
Onawa was conceived during a period when the 12 Meter class was defined by the International Rule, established to encourage fair competition and innovation in yacht design. Her creation was commissioned by a syndicate of New York Yacht Club members, showcasing the early enthusiasm for 12 Meter racing in the United States. Despite her age, Onawa’s design was revolutionary for its time, featuring a sleek hull and a rig that balanced speed with maneuverability, making her competitive against her contemporaries.
Racing Career and Legacy
While Onawa did not compete in the America’s Cup, her racing career in the early decades was marked by participation in regattas and events that highlighted the competitive spirit of the 12 Meter class. She raced primarily in the Northeastern United States, participating in events that underscored the popularity and prestige of the 12 Meter yachts as symbols of racing excellence. Following her active racing career, Onawa underwent various periods of use, including leisure cruising and periods of less activity, which was common for yachts of her age as they transitioned out of competitive racing. However, her historical significance and the beauty of her design have always been recognized by sailing enthusiasts and historians.
Legacy and Impact
Preservation and Current Status In recent years, Onawa has been the subject of meticulous preservation efforts to restore her to her former glory, reflecting a growing movement to preserve historic yachts as part of the maritime heritage. These efforts have focused on maintaining her original design and construction integrity while updating her for safety and functionality, allowing her to sail once again. Currently, Onawa stands as one of the most beautifully preserved examples of a 12 Meter yacht, a testament to the enduring legacy of the class and its significance in the history of competitive sailing.
Owner and Their Vision
12-meter yacht caretakers are the unsung heroes of a bygone era, keeping these magnificent racing machines alive. They aren’t just mechanics; they’re historians, artists, and magicians, coaxing peak performance from these wooden wonders. Their vision? To preserve the sport’s rich heritage while pushing the boundaries of restoration, ensuring these giants of the sea continue to thrill audiences and inspire future generations.
She participates in vintage yacht regattas and serves as a floating ambassador of sailing history, offering a direct link to the golden age of yacht racing. Onawa’s story is more than just that of a racing yacht; it is a narrative of enduring craftsmanship, the evolution of yacht design, and the passion for sailing that transcends generations. Her continued presence on the water serves as a reminder of the elegance and competitive spirit that defined the early years of 12 Meter yachting and continues to inspire sailors and enthusiasts around the world.