William Fife & Son William Fife 12mr Class (1909) For sale

Built in 1909 by the legendary Scottish yacht designer William Fife III, CINTRA is one of the earliest surviving 12 Metres built under the International Metre Rule—a yacht conceived for one purpose alone: to win. She enjoyed great success on the British racing circuit before the First World War and continued to compete for decades. Following her final recorded race in 1956, CINTRA disappeared from the public eye. Decades later, she was rediscovered abandoned in a shed in England, neglected and heavily altered, her original elegance almost lost to time. In 1984 she was rescued by renowned Italian classic yacht enthusiast Alberto Rusconi, who embarked on an uncompromising restoration to return her to William Fife's original masterpiece. Completed in 1991 by the celebrated Italian shipyard La Bussola, under the direction of naval architects Giorgetti & Magrini, the restoration combined meticulous historical research with exceptional craftsmanship. Guided by original Fife drawings and period documentation, every detail was faithfully recreated using traditional techniques, authentic materials and an uncompromising commitment to originality.

The result is a yacht of remarkable authenticity, where graceful overhangs, a magnificent gaff rig and beautifully handcrafted details come together in perfect harmony. Launched once again in August 1991, CINTRA returned to the racing circuit in time for the Porto Cervo Veteran Boat Rally, proving that her timeless beauty and remarkable performance had been fully restored. Today, more than a century after her launch, CINTRA remains an extraordinary ambassador of William Fife's genius. She is a living piece of maritime history, a centrepiece at the world's most prestigious classic regattas, and a rare opportunity to acquire one of the finest classic yachts ever built.