MEET MARIQUITA I ONE OF THE MOST CRUCIAL RACING YACHTS
September 16th, 2022
2 minute read
The renowned nautical and natural photographer Michael Kahn is fascinated by sailing and photography. One of the historic yachts he captured warmly toned in black and white film is Mariquita.
This picture was taken by Michael Kahn in Saint Tropez in 2007. Mariquita means ladybird in Spanish and was built and designed in 1911 by William Fife III.
This boat has a fascinating story because, in 1915, it launched in Fairlie on the Clyde in Scotland. It was among the first as well as the most crucial racing yachts. Additionally, it belonged to the predecessors of the historic big class racing and the forerunners of the J-Class.
The Mariquita was sold in 1915 and brought to Norway, where afterwards it was given a new name Maude IV.
After 5 years, it returned to Great Britain, keeping the name Mariquita when the war ended.
By that time, the boat had no racing class and only in 1924, being purchased by Sir Edward Iliffe and Alan Messer, was it possible for her to participate in sailing regattas in the large handicap class. When the second world war started, the ship sold again. The buyer was a company that specialized in houseboats and wanted to expand. After she arrived, her sails immediately took off and removed her mast and other parts from her. After that, Mariquita houseboat for 40 years. Then in 1991, it travelled to Port Hamble, where they restored it at Fairlie Restorations. After the successful restoration, it hoisted the sails, participating in world-renowned regattas, such as the Monaco Classic Week. In 2014 Mariquita experienced a successful and unforgettable triumph when it won the Big Boat Panerai Trophy.
Mariquita has discovered different places and had countless opportunities through her incredible and breathtaking elegance. This historic ship is searching for a new janitor eager to experience the ship's next chapter and so does this beautifully captured fine art print by Michael Kahn.
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