W. Starling Burgess NINA

Historical

Uffa Fox comments – “By winning the transatlantic and Fastnet Races in 1928, Nina proved herself a fast and able ocean racer. Her successful racing career no doubt influenced Vanderbilt to entrust Burgess with the designing of Enterprise, with which he successfully defended the America’s Cup against SHAMROCK V.”

“NINA, while anchored off Cowes, looked as strange to me as the AMERICA must have to our seamen in 1851, for both had rigs that were new to England.”

“Nina and America were alike in that they were both invading yachts with strange new rigs, both winning cups for America and England, thus putting these National cups on the higher plane of International cups.”

“Her short ends are the result of the American Ocean Racing Rule, otherwise it is certain NINA would have had longer overhangs fore and aft. The result would be a shorter bowsprit, would make reefing the mainsail easier, as well as giving stability, steadiness, and speed in a seaway.”

Nina, named for one of the caravels of Christopher Columbus, was built in 1928 with no engine for yachtsman Paul Hammond. She was designed by W. Starling Burgess specifically to demolish the ratings rule of her day. As she would go on to be the grande dame of the ocean racing fleet.

Known Racing History:

1994 Winner Antigua (Schooner Class)
1989 Winner New York Mayors Cup
1962 Winner Newport to Bermuda Race (34 years, oldest yacht to win)
1949 Winner Cygnet Cup
1940 Winner New York Yacht Club Astor Cup
1939 Winner New York Yacht Club Astor Cup
1929 Winner London to Gibson Island Chesapeake Bay.
1928 Winner Fastnet Race. Under the command of C.Sherman Hoyt, Nina was the first American yacht to win the 600 mile Fastnet race, 4 days, 12 hours, 48 minutes, 13 seconds.
1928 Winner New York to Santander, Spain, 3,900 mile race in 24 days, greeted by King Alfonso from his launch. “Well sailed, Niña, I congratulate you! I am the King of Spain.” Upon winning the race the King and Queen, and the ambassador of the United States were first to come aboard to congratulate the winning owner/skipper and his crew.

Bringing Home the Niña and Her Crew (Originally published on March 10th 2015)

After nearly 21 months, not a single trace of the Starling Burgess designed schooner Niña (Spanish for “little girl”), or her seven-person crew has ever been found.

The Starling Burgess designed Niña, a classic sailboat with an impeccable racing career. Where once the King of Spain went out in his launch to congratulate her on winning the 1928 New York to Santander, Spain race, was lost in a fierce storm in the Tasman Sea off of New Zealand in June of the year 2013.

The families of the Niña’s crew have since spent countless dollars conducting their own searches, and have tried to form a Petition to ask John Kerry to help save Nina’s sailors. 1,270 more signatures are needed to reach the 5,000 goal to submit to John Kerry.

MAY 29TH 2013 – Niña set sail from Opua in the Bay of Islands for their destination point Newcastle, Australia, ETA June 8th.

JUNE 4TH 2013 – The next day Meteorologist Bob McDavitt got a text, the last known communication from the boat: “ANY UPDATE 4 NINA? … EVI” McDavitt said he advised the crew to stay put and ride out the storm another day. He continued sending messages over the next few days but received no answer.

JUNE 14TH 2013 – After concerns were raised by family and friends, the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) instigated a communications, using a range of communications methods to broadcast alerts to the vessel and others in the area.

JULY 25TH 2013 – A search area of 160,000 square nautical miles was covered, to the immediate north-north-east of New Zealand, based on the vessel being disabled and drifting.

JULY 5TH 2013 – The subsequent 12-day search covered 737,000 square nautical miles before being suspended. Officially, it’s deemed likely that the Niña was “overwhelmed in a catastrophic event” in gale force winds and eight-metre swells soon after June 4, and sank suddenly with the loss of all hands.

Provenance (The Wall of Remembrance – The Owners, Crew & Notable Guest):

Owner/Guardian:(1928-1933) Paul Hammond/Elihu Root, Jr.
Racing Skipper: (1928 Fasnet) C.Sherman Hoyt
Owner/Guardian: (1933-1935) Bobby Somerset, England. Commodore of the Royal Ocean Racing Club.
Owner/Guardian: (1935-1966) DeCoursey Fales, affectionately referred to Nina as the “old girl.” New York Yacht Club flagship.
Owner/Guardian: (1966) Merchant Marine Academy (bequeathed from Mr. Fales estate.)
Owner/Guardian: Stamford, Conn
Owner/Guardian: (1975-1988) Hans van Nes, acquired via auction $49,700
Owner/Guardian: (1988-2013) Rosemary & David N. Dyche

References:

Ocean Racing: The Great Blue-water Yacht Races, 1866-1935

Bringing Home the Nina and Her Crew
Website
Facebook
Petition
Donations

Classic Yacht Nina:
Timeline

Oceans by Hillsong United has become an inspirational song for the family of crew member Danielle since their daughter disappeared with her mates. They continue to anticipate the finding of their precious daughter and the rest of the crew. They have not given up, in fact they stand stronger in their faith each day. And they thank all for believing with us.