Tilly XV (1912) is a wonderful and interesting craft. Built for the Prince Heinrich von Preussen, one time commander of the Russan Baltic Fleet, brother of Kaiser Wilheim the 2nd and grandson of Queen Victoria she is illustrious as she is unique.
Built in Germany to the one design Sónderklasse or “Special Class”, she is 12m Length overall (LOA) but only 5.8m length on the waterline (LWL)! At the time of her build in 1912, she would have been one of the most extreme designs of her day.
Unfortunately, during the Antigua Classics, whilst surfing at 14kts on an Atlantic swell, a shackle failed on the cap shroud causing the mast and 50sq m of sail to fall to the deck. Vey fortunately, no one was hurt.
As this was the first day of racing, Tilly XV was in dire straits. Luckily Tilly XV was pointed in our direction and we fixed the mast within 24hrs (and a gallon of coffee) and she managed to see out the rest of the regatta without harm. As far as we know, our repair is still holding strong and she has gone on to win prestigious regattas on both sides of the Atlantic.
