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The 12 Metre racing yachts Vim and Tomahawk, 1939. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
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The 12 Metre racing yachts Vim and Tomahawk, 1939. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 12 Metre racing yachts Vim and Tomahawk, 1939. Tomahawk was one of the large Twelves built just before the war. It was designed by Charles Nicholson and comissioned by the aviator Thomas Sopwith. Sopwith wanted a very competitive yacht to race against his friend and Americas Cup rival Harold Vanderbilt who had commissioned Vim. Tomahawk confirmed to be a very fast boat and was the best British 12 of the season. Vim was designed in 1939 by Olin Stephens, Vim had numerous innovative features including a trim tab on the rudder, two-speed winches and a lighter mast made of Duralumin (a form of aluminium used in the aircraft industry). Vim is considered a benchmark design which was continually refined over her racing career. In 1939 Vim came to the UK and won 19 races out of 28
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Media ID 15514006
© Kirk & Sons of Cowes / Heritage-Images
10 Metre 12 Metre 19 Metre 6 Metre 7 Metre 8 Metre Arthur Henry Arthur Henry Kirk Bermuda Rig Boat View Charles Ernest Charles Ernest Nicholson Close Hauled Cowes Edgar Wp Edgar Wp Kirk Harold International Rule Isle Of Wight Kirk Kirk Sons Of Kirk Sons Of Cowes Lee Bow Nicholson Race Racing Sailing Yacht Sloop Sopwith Stephens Thomas Sopwith Tomahawk William Umpleby William Umpleby Kirk Yacht Yachting Olin Vanderbilt
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This print showcases the iconic 12 Metre racing yachts Vim and Tomahawk, taken in 1939. Commissioned by aviator Thomas Sopwith, Tomahawk was designed by Charles Nicholson to rival his friend and America's Cup competitor Harold Vanderbilt's yacht, Vim. With its exceptional speed, Tomahawk proved to be the best British 12 of that season. On the other hand, Vim, designed by Olin Stephens in the same year, boasted numerous innovative features such as a trim tab on the rudder and two-speed winches. Its lighter mast made of Duralumin further exemplified its cutting-edge design influenced by aircraft technology. Vim arrived in the UK in 1939 and went on to achieve an impressive record of winning 19 out of 28 races. This remarkable achievement solidified Vim as a benchmark design that underwent continuous refinement throughout its illustrious racing career. The photograph captures these magnificent sailing vessels close-hauled with their Bermuda rigs fully extended against a picturesque backdrop off Cowes on the Isle of Wight. The image not only represents a moment frozen in time but also symbolizes fierce competition between two legendary yachtsmen during this golden era of sailing. With its historical significance and timeless beauty, this print serves as a testament to the artistry and engineering prowess behind these extraordinary racing yachts that continue to inspire sailors and enthusiasts alike even today.
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