This famous J-class yacht came up for sale in 2015, and is still for sale — it’s the Endeavor, the 1934 C.E. Nicholson-designed vessel made for speed.
The man who commissioned the craft was aircraft manufacturer sir T.O.M Sopwith, who intended to challenge the American designs dominating the America’s Cup, like the Westward and Rainbow of Nathaneal Green Herreshoff.
The aircraft designer applied aeronautical technology to the ship’s design, and in her first season the Endeavor won many races in Britain.
Although the yacht was the only J-class to ever beat the original Rainbow, she failed to take the 1934 America’s Cup. The loss was attributed to Sopwith’s replacing the professional crew with 13 amateurs after a pay strike, as well as taking off too much ballast during the series.
Since that time, the craft has changed hands and was nearly destroyed by wreckers. At one point she was a rusted hulk without keel, rudder, ballast or interior. A recent owner, however, completely rebuilt the J into its present form, incorporating 100,000 man hours of labor.
At her low point, Endeavor sold for 10 pounds sterling after sinking in the Medina River in Crowes. Her current asking price is just under 20 million Euros ($21.5 million US dollars).
Specifics:
| Length | 39.56m / 130ft |
| Beam | 6.80m / 22ft |
| Draft | 4.80m / 16ft |
| Hull | Steel |
| Cabins total | 4 Cabins |
| Cabins | 1 Master, 2 Double, 1 Twin, |
| Guests | 8 |
| Crew | 7 |
| Max. Speed | 13 Knots |
| Cruising Speed | 10 Knots |
For more information about her sale, visit Edmiston by clicking here.
