Gleam was designed by the famous naval architect, Clinton Crane, for his own personal use with the intent of reviving the 12-metre class. She was built to the highest specifications by the equally famous Henry B. Nevins Yacht Yard in City Island, New York in 1937.
Gleam, ex Charlotte II, ex Gleam
Design Clinton Crane ((1873-1958)
Built 1937 by Henry B. Nevins, Inc. City Island, N.Y.
Build #
Specifications: LOA 67′ 11″ LWL 46’11” BEAM 12′ DRAFT 7’10” (8’10”) DISPL (?) Hull Double Planked Mahogany, Cedar Skin, Oak Frames RSA 1930
She proved influential in the development of the twelve metre class in the United States and for its eventual use in the America’s Cup. She was loaned to many notable yachtsmen including Briggs Cunningham, Lee Loomis and Harold Vanderbilt. These yachtsmen so enjoyed the experience, they each went out and built their own twelve metres to join the class.
When America’s Cup racing resumed after the war, the twelve metre class was chosen for the competition largely because of Vanderbilt’s success with his twelve during 1939 in England. During the 1958 America’s Cup, Gleam had the unique distinction of serving as a trial horse for both the defense candidate, VIM, and the challenger Sceptre. She then went on to compile an impressive race record under the ownership of the Commodore of the New York Yacht Club.
In 1975, Gleam pioneered the concept of chartering a twelve with her present owner, Bob Tiedemann. The success and admiration of his program has created a second revival and raison d’être for this America’s Cup class.
Gleam has been featured on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, The Discovery Channel and PBS. She has also graced the pages of countless magazines such as Town and Country, Sailing World, Classic Boat and Yachting World, just to name a few. Her interior was selected to appear in the book Classic Yacht Interiors.