The 24.7-meter cutter HALLOWE’EN was launched just in time for the famous Fastnet Race² in 1926.
HALLOWE’EN was constructed by William Fife III, a famous yacht designer, who once stated, “She is the perfect gentleman’s yacht.” “She is a jewel.”
❐ Hallowe’en under its former name “COTTON BLOSSOM IV” 1959
In this Fastnet Race, HALLOWE’EN crossed the finish line ten hours before its competitors. This record stood until 1939, when the new course was set through the Needles Channel.
William Fife rigged his yacht as a low-aspect ratio Bermudan cutter when gaff-rigged racers dominated at the time. The owners experimented with her rig over the years, changing mast and boom heights until she became a yawl.
❐ Different Rigs (Source)
As a yawl-rigged boat, HALLOWE’EN dominated ocean racing for many years. Under her new owner, Alfred Larsen, a Norwegian businessman and sailor, she returned to the Atlantic after several years of racing in the Mediterranean. The Future King of Norway, Prince Olaf, helmed her many times as the official yacht of the Royal Norwegian Racing Club.
After crossing the Atlantic in 1938, she disappeared from the radar. Years later, she was discovered by Walter Wheeler and renamed COTTON BLOSSON IV before being purchased by an ocean racing team and donated to the Classic Boat Museum. A much-needed refit was awaiting her there.
❐ The Future King of Norway, Prince Olaf on the helm
HALLOWE’EN’s original lines were carefully restored from 1988 to 1991 at the CBW (Classic Boat Works) in Newport, Rhode Island. To fix the planking, the museum used new bronze fasteners and repaired or replaced all the sawn English oak frames. At one point, when funds dried up in New Port, HALLOWE’EN returned to the Mediterranean, and Elizabeth Meyer (owner of the J-class “ENDEAVOUR”) helped find a buyer.
Major cosmetic work was done in France in 1994–95, and then she underwent another transformation in 1998–99.
After several refits (and owners), the boat was last renovated in 2009 at Fairlie Restorations on the Hamble River. She competes competitively in classic regatta circuits in France, Corsica, Spain, and Italy. She is exclusively available now for sailing events in this regattas with Noblesse Yachts.
❐ 1914 SUMURUN vs 1926 HALLOWE’EN (Both build by William Fife III)
After a long and eventful life, she looks better today than ever before. There is no doubt that she is one of the most beautiful yachts designed by William Fife on the regatta scene. If you’re looking to charter an amazing vintage wooden sailing yacht, HALLOWE’EN is the boat for you.
With its speed and ability to navigate the oceans, this beautiful Fife is still winning classic regattas. She can race with three crew members and 12 guests while maintaining her traditional beauty and charm. As a result of the new and intelligent deck layout, she can only be sailed by two people for shorter deliveries.
❐ Sailing HALLOWE’EN is nothing else but a pure adrenalin rush
SPECIFICATIONS
SHIPYARD: William Fife
MODEL: Bermudan Cutter
YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 1926
LENGTH: 80ft, approx 24.75m
BEAM: 14.5ft, approx 4.42m
ENGINES: 1 with 80hp
TOP SPEED: 11kts, approx 20 km/h
CRUISING SPEED: 8kts, approx 20 km/h
CREW: 3
GUESTS: 12
❐ The regattas on the Riviera, like the Vele d’Epoca di Imperia are the places to be for every lover of classic yachts
¹ Rules for the 15mR Class
Yachts of the IYRU 15-Metre class are built in accordance with the First International Rule of 1907. Known as the “Metre Rule,” the First International Rule defines how yachts can be measured and rated so that different designs of yachts can compete under the same handicap system. Until the First International Rule was ratified in 1907, countries raced yachts under their own national rules, and international competitions were always handicapped subjectively.
The construction of 15-Metre yachts differs from one another, but they are all designed according to a specific formula based on accurate measurements. The Metre classes were the most important international yacht racing classes during their heyday, and they continue to race around the world today.
The term ‘metre’ is not used to describe length but rather to describe her rating, which measures nearly 30 metres (98 feet) for 15 mR boats.
❐ The four remaining 15mRs racing against each other. From left: HALLOWE’EN, TUIGA, HISPANIA and THE LADY ANNE (all built by William Fife III)
² The Fastnet Race
There is a biennial offshore yacht race named “Fastnet Race” after the Fastnet Rock on the course. Along with the Sydney to Horbart Race and the Newport Bermuda Race, this race covers approximately 695 nautical miles (1,287 kilometers) and is considered a classic offshore race.
❐ The course of the Fastnet Race
The Fastnet Race is probably one of the world’s toughest races, and it tests the skills of inshore and offshore crews, as well as crew and boat preparation. A gale-force wind often affects this race, which takes place in August. As low-pressure systems move across the North Atlantic Ocean, navigators on the Fastnet encounter constantly changing weather patterns. The majority of these depressions are located north of the English Channel. To race successfully, one must fully understand weather disturbances and how to use them.
In those days, the Fastnet Race began at the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, Isle of Wight, near the south coast of England. Upon crossing the English Channel, the race followed the Solent through the Needles Channel along the southern shores of England. Crossing the Celtic Sea, the race circled Fastnet Rock off Ireland’s southwest coast. Following a more or less reciprocal course around the Isles of Scilly, the race ended in Plymouth.
❐ Racing yachts rounding Fastnet Rock
³ The “America’s Cup”: A Brief History
The America’s Cup is the oldest sailing competition as of today. It’s named after the yacht AMERICA, which won the first race.
A challenge cup was awarded during a regatta in 1851 around the British Isle of Wight. It was during this year that London hosted its first World’s Fair, also known as the EXPO, an exhibition of the best products from every country in the world. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the English invited their American counterparts to compete with them in a regatta. Taking up the challenge, the New York Yacht Club ordered the construction of a 93-foot (30-meter) long schooner (two-master). The ship was to be named AMERICA.
❐ The 93-foot schooner AMERICA
The regatta took place off the British Isle of Wight on August 22, 1851, and AMERICA won. After crossing the finish line at 8:37 p.m., she was 20 minutes ahead of 15 British competitors from the Royal Yacht Squadron Club.
The regatta was watched on the royal yacht by Queen Victoria. Most likely, she expected at least one of the fifteen British yachts to defeat the American yacht.
It is reported that the Queen asked a signalmaster, “Are the yachts already in sight?”
“It’s only the AMERICA, Your Majesty.”
“What’s the second one?”
“The second is not there, Your Majesty.”
❐ AMERICA salutes Queen Victoria after victory, watching from the royal yacht
For the English, who had been considered the dominant sailing nation until then, that was a bitter defeat. The AMERICA became the namesake of the America’s Cup after winning this regatta. However, it was in 1870 that the first race was held under this name. Prior to that, the regatta was known as the “One Hundred Sovereigns Cup.”
There was created a challenge trophy and it was given to the New York Yacht Club with the condition that other yacht clubs could challenge it. It was noted in a “deed of gift”. The Americans defended the cup in 25 irregular competitions for 132 years (from 1851 to 1983).
❐ Sir Thomas Lipton on the helm of one of its SHARMROCKs
It was Scottish entrepreneur Sir Thomas Lipton (Lipton Tea) who was one of the greats of the America’s Cup in the early years. With his yachts (SHAMROCK I to SHAMROCK V), he challenged the Americans five times between 1899 and 1930 and lost all of them. That resulted in him receiving a trophy for “Best of all Losers”
While Lipton didn’t succeed in sailing, he raised the profile of his tea brand in the USA. Essentially, he pioneered sports marketing in this way.
❐ The history of the America’s Cup
Harold S. Vanderbilt, of an American railroad dynasty, competed successfully three times as a skipper in the 1930s. This was a period when very long J-class yachts (about 41 m) contested the Cup. J-class yachts have been replaced by 12-Metre class (12mR) yachts since 1958. The yachts in this class are about half the length of J-class yachts, using a formula similar to the 15mR class rules.
❐ ENDEVEAUR – probably the most beautiful J-class ever build
Would you like to experience this spectacle live on board HALLOWE’EN?
Get your tickets now!
In 2023, HALLOWE’EN will compete in the following regattas:
– Vele d’Epoca di Imperia, Sep 6-11
– Monaco Classic Week, Sept 12-17
– Régates Royales Cannes, Sep 24-31
Team up with an experienced crew to race to victory in these legendary races.
The package for Vele d’Epoca di Imperia includes: (Monaco and Cannes to be announced shortly)
– Airport transfer from and to Nice airport
– Welcome champagne
– On-site shuttle service
– 4* hotel, executive rooms with breakfast
– A day of detailed training on the water
– Three sailing days with races
– A parade of the most beautiful yachts and an award ceremony
– During sailing days, catering will be provided
– Events in the evening
– Polo shirts and caps in uniform
– Confirmation of participation and miles
– 24/7 event support
The price does not include:
– Dinner (due to varying preferences)
Early bird price until 31.03.2023: € 9.450,00
Price from 01.04.2023: € 9.880,00
The following items are optionally bookable:
– Private jet to Imperia airport (ALL)
– Helicopter service from Nice Airport (NCE) to Imperia
– Additional vacation days
– Transfer of HALLOWE’EN from Imperia to Monaco on Sep 11. (Full sailing day, approx. 50 nautical miles)
Only 12 spots available. Book now: or fill out contact form.
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