Sailboat 12 Meter

1982 12 Metre US-33 “DEFENDER”

Builder: Newport Offshore Ltd
Designer: Pedrick Yacht Designs
Project Lead: Jim Gretzky / Victory Team
LOA: 19.53 m (64.1 ft) | Beam: 3.76 m (12.3 ft) | Draft: 2.67 m (8.75 ft) | Displacement: 24.5 tons
Construction: Aluminum
Location: Newport, RI

Vessel History

1982–1983
Built under the Third International Rule, US-33 was designed for light-air performance using early computer modeling and hydrodynamic testing. In 1983, she was modified by David Pedrick and entered the America’s Cup Defender Trials with Tom Blackaller at the helm.

1986–2000
In 1986, Defender served as a trial horse to Heart of America before being sold to Brian Mock of Newport Beach, CA. An engine was installed in 1989. She cruised the California coast under various owners including B. Sheryl Geddes, Lance Brush, and Lawrence R. Spira. In 2000, she was acquired by Ken Carrico of West Palm Beach, FL.

2010–2018: Full Refit
Defender was purchased by Dennis Williams and transported to Rhode Island, where she underwent a complete structural and systems overhaul by the Victory Team. Her return to racing in 2017 at the NYYC’s Around the Island Race marked her first competitive outing in 23 years—securing 1st place in METREFEST NEWPORT. In 2018, she was donated to the US Merchant Marine Academy Sailing Foundation.

2019
US-33 competed in the 12 Metre World Championship in Newport, finishing 7th in the Modern Division.

Refit Summary (2010–2018)

Structure & Deck

• Hull soda-blasted and faired; repainted with DuraPox epoxy

• New mast step, chainplates, floors, and keel tab system

• Hydraulic rudder trim tab, fairing flaps, and new carbon rudder (Composite Solutions, 2017)

• Redesigned deck layout with new winch islands, mainsheet base, and traveler mods

• Teak sole, reconfigured tailer’s pits, hydraulic systems, and new hatch hardware

Rigging & Spars

• 2008 Sail Spars 3-spreader carbon mast (indoor stored off-season)

• 2007 Composite Engineering carbon boom

• Navtec standing rig with titanium tips, custom sheaves, and fairlead rollers

• Dual poles: Carbon “square” spinnaker pole and aluminum spare

Winch & Mechanical Systems

• Hybrid Barient system with large-diameter drums, 6-speed primaries, and recessed runners

• New main and runner sheeting systems, Harken traveler and control lines

• Fully updated electrical and nav system (B&G H5000, Garmin GNX120, NEMA sensors)

• Twin AGM batteries, charger, bilge system, and 110V dockside power

Sail Inventory

Mainsails

• Quantum DM1 (2005 recut for Victory)

• M2 light-air main from Victory

Headsails

• Doyle Code 1–3 (recut for Defender J)

• Quantum Code 1–3 carbon/aramid (2017)

Spinnakers

• Doyle S1s, North “Big Red” S2, North S4 heavy air reacher

• Quantum S2 AP Runner, S3 power runner, A1 asymmetrical VMG

Racing Highlights

• 1983 – Competed in America’s Cup Defender Trials (Tom Blackaller, skipper)

• 2017 – 1st Place, NYYC Around the Island Race (METREFEST NEWPORT)

• 2018 – 4th Place, Queen’s Cup

• 2019 – 7th Place, 12 Metre World Championship (Modern Division)

US-33 has raced successfully in both 12 Metre and IRC configurations, offering dual capability as a heritage fleet leader and competitive regatta platform.

Additional Notes

• Extensive spare parts, sails, and tools included

• Professionally maintained and dry stored offseason

• Compliant with 12 Metre Class rules and ready for immediate campaign use

US-33 “Defender” is an iconic Twelve Metre yacht with a competitive edge and deep historical pedigree. Her extensive rebuild and performance record make her ideal for owners seeking a serious racing platform or a showcase vessel in the classic yacht circuit.

Contact for pricing, inspection arrangements, or a complete inventory list.