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Sail number |
GBR 48 |
Caprice was built for Sir Frank Spriggs, an aviation hero, whom at both Sopwith and Hawker Siddeley played a major role in the creation of monumentally important World War I & II aircraft such as the Sopwith Camel, Sopwith Pup and Hawker Hurricane to name but a few. He also followed Sir Tom Sopwith into yachting and together with Frank Murdock, designed the revolutionary rig for Sir Tom Sopwiths, nearly victorious, 1934 Americas Cup J-Class boat Endeavour. However, whilst Sir Tom Sopwith concentrated his efforts on J-Class boats, Sir Fank Spriggs focussed on six metres.
Caprice was Sir Frank Spriggs’ second six metre designed and built by James Mcgruer and in fact James McGruers penultimate six metre. Caprice is very long and one of the most beautiful sixes ever built. She was constructed using carvel mahogany planking on oak framing, fastened originally with brass screws but was subsequently refastened a few years later using more conventional copper rivets & roves. Sir Frank Spriggs especially requested the sail number K48/GBR48 and in 1948 Caprice attended the trials for the British Americas Cup and Olympics, but lost out to her sister K65 Johan of Rhu, according to Michael Crean (Royal Thames Yacht Club) due to poor helsmanship.
Restoration
Caprice was discovered in 1996 in Northern Ireland being used as a garden shed and a hen house. Subsequently, she was bought by Richard Bond, restored by Tino Rawnsley and relaunched in May 1998. The restoration of Caprices hull, was a matter of considerable debate. Richard Bond wanting to keep her: "as original as possible". Ian Howlett was consulted and it was eventually decided to apply a 3mm cold-moulded Khaya mahogany laminate veneer at 45 degrees to the planking and was fastened with epoxy. In this way, according to Tino Rawnsley, it was possible to preserve approximately 80% of her original planking and 30% of her original oak frames. The frames & knees were replaced as required. She was totally refastened using copper rivets and roves (larger diameter than previously), received a new deck (teak & mahogany), beams and a considerable amount new beam shelf. Her keel bolts were replaced, she had a full complement of new stainless steel floors fitted. Finally, she received a Howlett mast, Fredriksen deck hardware & Andersen winches. In 2004 she received a new All-Spars mast, boom & rig. In 2009 her mast will once again be refitted.
Planned Rennovations
This year she will have a minor refit. During the next few seasons Caprice will receive a new rudder, rudder shaft, bearing housing & bearings. She will have some timber let in to her stern post. She will receive a few new steamed oak frames, winches as required, her bilge will be stripped, dried & re-epoxied. Her timber keel will be stripped, refaired and antifouled. At the end of next year she will get a new suit of sails in preparation for the 2011 World Championships.
Crew:
Vesa Härkönen
Nicholas Brocklehurst
Panu Lehti
Mikko Jalas
Paavo Pietola
Kirsti Lehtimäki
Partial Race History (since 1998 rebuild)
World Championships
2003 Bronze Medal (St. Tropez, France)
2007 Bronze Medal (Cowes, England)
Europeans
2000 Seventh (St. Tropez, France)
2008 First (La Trinité sur Mer, France)
Coupe de l’Entente Cordiale
2002 Third
2004 Second
2005 First
RSnYC International Classes Regatta
2001 Winner (5/5 race wins)
Coupe de la Méditerranée
2002 Third (St.Tropez, France: Classic + Modern handicap)
2003 Second (St.Tropez, France)