1958 saw the first America's Cup challenge using the twelves. The British yacht 'Sceptre' challenged the American Olin Stephens' design, 'Columbia'. 'Columbia' won 4 races to nil.

'Sceptre's history began in September 1956 with the formation of a syndicate to build a challenger for the America's Cup. The challenger was selected based on model tank testing of the 1957 designs of four prominent naval architects: David Boyd; James McGruer; Charles Nicholson and Arthur Robb.

In October 1957 Sceptre was beginning to take shape at Robertsons yard in Sandbank. By February 1958 the Honduras mahogany planking had been laid on the alternate steel and oak frames. Sceptre was launched on April 2nd, and by May 11th had started her trials. She was shipped to America for the America's Cup series which commenced on September 20th, 1958.'

Britain's Sceptre challenged the American Olin Stephens' design Columbia and lost four races to nil. The trophy was thus kept in America.

In 1986 the Preservation Society was founded and Sceptre was given a major refit with an engine installed, 12 berths, a galley and a head. Since Sceptre 'has been sailed by the owners, with some chartering and sail training to offset the maintenance costs'.

A new doghouse was built in 2003.

Information courtesy of David Hutchison

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