NEWPORT, R.I. (Sept. 30, 2011) — Media mogul Ted Turner returned to the sport he mastered many decades ago when he helmed the iconic American Eagle — the 12 Meter he once owned and raced around the world — in the 2011 12 Meter North American Championships held in Newport, R.I. over September 23-25. Turner’s well-honed skills earned him first place in the Traditional division as well as the Pine Brothers Sponsor Trophy for Best Overall Performance.
The regatta included nine 12 Meters (Victory 83, Courageous, USA, Intrepid, American Eagle, Weatherly, Columbia, Northern Light and Onawa) racing in three divisions (Grand Prix/Modern, Traditional, Classic) and drew several other celebrity yachtsmen as well, including America’s Cup veterans and other notable sailors.
Bannister’s Wharf was home base for the
yachts and crews, stirring memories of Newport’s America’s Cup days of the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s, when crowds inspected these beautiful, historic boats and Ted Turner mixed with sailors at the dock. This year’s event inaugurated the Ted Turner Trophy, awarded for an individual’s contribution to the 12 Meter Class on and off the water.
12-Meter North American Championships
Newport, R.I., Sept. 23-25, 2011 Final results:
Grand Prix/Modern
1.Victory 83, 1,1,1,2,2; 7
2. Courageous, 2,2,2,1,1; 8
3. USA, 4,3,3,3,4; 17
4. Intrepid, 3,4,4,4,3; 18
Traditional
1. American Eagle, 2,1,1,1,1; 6
2. Weatherly, 1,2,3,2,2; 10
3. Columbia, 3,3,2,3,3; 14
Classic
1. Northern Light, 2,1,1,1,1; 6
2. Onawa,1,2,2,2,2; 9
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