For many years, a princess has been slumbering at the Robbe & Berking Classics shipyard in Flensburg, just waiting to be kissed awake. Preferably by an Australian prince - at least that is the wish of shipyard boss Oliver Berking. "She belongs at home," says the intimate connoisseur of the yachting history of the America's Cup and its yachts. He knows the CVs of the twelve-man yachts that sailed for the silver jug from 1985 to 1987 like no other.
The previous owner was Doug Peterson
And so it was that the previous owner of "Gretel", the American designer Doug Peterson, one day approached Berking with his wish to sell. "I picked her up in Italy, where Doug Peterson had a summer house. He wanted to restore her, but he was getting older and older and couldn't quite get round to it," says Berking, who was aware of the historical significance of the yacht, which was built in Australia in 1962, and wanted to preserve it. Berking describes this on the Website Robbe & Berking Classics:
The first Australian twelve
"The 12-metre yacht GRETEL sailed as a challenger for the America's Cup in 1962. GRETEL was designed by the yacht designer Alan Payne. Her hull was built from wood on steel frames. The first ever Australian 12er was launched on 19 February 1962, seven months before the America's Cup races. Nine days later, the yacht was christened GRETEL in memory of Frank Packer's deceased wife. The very first trial runs against "Vim" showed that "Gretel" was very fast. At the end of May 1962, both ships were sent to the USA, where "Gretel" later gave the defender, "Weatherly", a tough and worthy fight. The races were exciting and were only narrowly won in each case, with the Australians winning one race."
Delivery to Australia included
Somewhere, Berking is sure, there is someone who will rescue this unique yacht. "Unfortunately, this Australian has somehow not yet found my phone number," says Berking. To help him out, the enthusiast has now posted a message on Instagram. It's true that the twelve-person boat is not only in good condition at his shipyard, but also in familiar company alongside "Vim" in winter storage. But Berking has organised a ride to Australia for the summer. On the deck of a cargo ship that is being built opposite at Flensburger Schiffbauf Gesellschaft and will be delivered to Australia in July. "An Australian buyer would get the ship delivered free of charge".
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Australians appeal to their government
The campaign by Australian Nigel Watts shows just how much people down under would like to see the twelve-man back home. He has launched a petition on Change.OrgThe signing of this petition is intended to help draw the government's attention to the historical value of "Gretel". It also calls on the government to take measures to finance its return and restoration.
The purchase price is the "cost price"
A lot of money is not necessary. Oliver Berking, at any rate, does not want to make a profit from the sale of the twelve-person boat. For the founder of the Robbe & Berking Yachting Heritage Centre, "Gretel" is solely about preserving an important chapter in yachting history - the day's victory was the first triumph over the American defending champions in almost 30 years and is seen as an inspiration for many other challengers. So far, he has spent 160,000 euros on the twelve-wheeler, which is its purchase price today. According to Berking, he is also "putting a bow on it".
Lasse Johannsen
Deputy Editor in Chief YACHT
