Experience Intrepid’s power and grace as you learn about her legendary legacy.
A Design Innovator
Powerhouse designer Olin Stephens radically transformed yacht design with Intrepid. She was the first boat to undergo extensive tank testing, using one-third-size models to optimize speed and drag. He separated the rudder from the keel, installing a "bustle" (or kicker) between them and adding a trim tab to reduce wetted surface and improve steering and speed.
Two-Time America’s Cup Champion
Skippered by “Bus” Mosbacher in 1967 and Bill Ficker in 1970, Intrepid is a rare two-time America’s Cup winner. After a redesign by Olin Stephens, she competed for an unprecedented third time under the command of Gerry Driscoll in 1974. She came within one race of becoming the first three-time America’s Cup Defender, losing the final race of the Defender trials to Courageous, helmed by Ted Hood.
One of Only Three Surviving Wooden America’s Cup Defenders
Constructed with double-planked mahogany on white oak frames, Intrepid is one of only three wooden America’s Cup defenders from the 12 Meter era still on the water today.
US-22 Intrepid
YEAR BUILT: 1967
YACHT DESIGNER: SPARKMAN & STEPHENS
YACHT BUILDER: MINNEFORD YACHT YARD, CITY ISLAND, NY
SYNDICATE: NYYC
Meet Intrepid’s Captain
Mike Patterson
Mike Patterson is the managing partner of America’s Cup Charters. He has been sailing since age 8 and managing and racing 12 Meter yachts for more than two decades. On the water with Mike, you’ll discover the joy and exhilaration of sailing this majestic yacht. Well-known and respected in Newport waters, he has plenty of stories to share about the 12 Meter Fleet and Newport’s Golden Age of sailing. Mike is a 1996 graduate of Maine Maritime Academy and holds a U.S. Merchant Marine 200-Ton Master Captain’s License and a 500-Ton International Tonnage Certificate. After graduating, Mike began his professional sailing career, team-sailing on an IACC during their preparation for the 2000 America’s Cup. A resident of Middletown, RI, when not messing about on 12 Meters, he can be found providing support boat services for his three daughters’ Opti, Laser, and 420 campaigns. His eldest daughter is currently sailing for Dartmouth College, Go Big Green!
