Half hull model of 12-metre yacht GRETEL
Model Maker
Frank Allen
Date1991
Object number00015620
NameModel
MediumJelutong wood coated with sanding sealer, primer, automotive lacquer
DimensionsOverall: 141 x 763 mm, 0.85 kg
ClassificationsModels
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis builder's half block model was made by Frank Allen after the 12-metre yacht, GRETEL.HistoryIt was decided in the late 1950s, that Australian 12-metre yachts would be designed and built as challengers for the America's Cup, which had been dominated by American sailing clubs for over a hundred years. Sir Frank Packer arranged for the American yacht VIM to be brought to Australia and used as a guide for Australian boat designers and builders.
In 1962, the Australian 12-metre yacht GRETEL was designed by Alan Payne and built by Lars Halvorsen Sons Pty Ltd at their Ryde boatyard. Sir Frank Packer headed the Australian syndicate representing the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron at the America's Cup in the same year. It was skippered by Jock Sturrock and crewed by R B Anderson, A R Belyea, C G Betts, L A Cole, R R Dickson, D W Fairfax, T R Gowland, M Halvorsen, T Halvorsen, T Hammond, FJ S McNulty and W B Northam. Although it was an early attempt, Payne later said 'we got better as history has shown', referring to when Australia finally won the Cup with AUSTRALIA II in 1983.
GRETEL was the first challenger for the Cup from a country other than Britain or Canada. It raced against the American defender WEATHERLY in a series of 4 races. WEATHERLY defeated GRETEL 4-1.SignificanceThis model is a record of the innovations in 12-metre yacht design during 1960s, when Australia produced a series of yachts as challengers to the America's Cup. GRETEL was led by the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron for the Cup in 1962. It was the first challenger for the Cup from a country other than Britain or Canada. It is a lasting tribute to the 12-metre class before it became outmoded in 1987 and, it represents an important episode in Australia's yacht building history.
