(photo courtesy of Scot Surbeck)
Vision for the Flagship
In August 2006, Manhattan Sailing Club was approaching the 600 member mark and it's 20th Anniversary. Commodore Fortenbaugh sent out the first email proposing to form a Syndicate of Members to acquire a piece of yachting history - a 12 Meter.
This idea had been brewing for several years. And during his trip to Monaco in June, the Commodore finally saw "Tuiga," Yacht Club de Monaco's flagship. Also on this trip, he saw three 12 Meters in Antibes, one which was for sale.
In August, the email was sent. Many members responded with interest and enthusiasm. A meeting was held to discuss specifics and about 14 members attended.
Over the next few weeks, momentum grew and there seemed to be enough support to make this vision a reality.
Therefore, the Commodore drafted the Syndicate Document which is reprinted below. And on the occasion of the October Full Moon Party, members were invited to come out into the harbor and sign this document to become part of the club's Twelve Meter Syndicate.
We, the undersigned Members
of the Manhattan
Yacht Club,
inspired by the Sea Breezes and the Beauty
of New York Harbor,
which used to be the sailing capital of our country
and which is experiencing a recreational renaissance again,
do hereby come together
to form a Syndicate of Members
each of Whom will contribute
the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars
to purchase
a 12-Meter Sailboat,
the class which
embodies the spirit and tradition
of American yachting,
and to operate said boat
in said harbor
as flagship of said club.
Signed this Sixth day of October, 2006.
In the end, 21 members initially joined the Syndicate. With the money raised, we negotiated the purchase of "America II" (US 46).
She is the ideal boat for our club. She was built in 1986 and sailed in Australia in 1987. Our club was founded in 1986 and began sailing in 1987, the exact same years. Both boat and club would be celebrating their 20th Anniversaries together in 2007.
America II also represented New York City in the 1987 Louis Vuitton Cup. So this would be a homecoming for her. She would at last come to her city and become a great flagship.