Mariquita Book - mk2.5

Beken of Cowes
PRE-WAR MARIQUITA
Mariquita’s first three seasons from 1911 to 1913 were spent in the UK. Skippered by Edward
Sycamore and then Robert Wringe, some of her finest victories were recorded in the Solent as she
raced the other 19-Metre yachts in her class: Octavia, Norada and Corona.
On June 15th 1912 the King’s Cup was won by Mariquita helmed by Robert Wringe. In second
place was her great rival Octavia, helmed and owned by the outstanding yachtsmen of his
generation, Sir William Burton. Along with Norada and Corona the 19-Metre class supplied a
level of competition and sport the like of which had never been seen before. These were the best
yachts sailed by the most talented sailors of the day.
Within a week the two yachts were racing again on the Solent in a contest that Sir William
Burton vividly described as, “a great duel between Mariquita and Octavia … the best and hardest
race I ever sailed in my life.” The rivalry between the two helmsman was immense. Despite years
of experience sailing 12 and 15-Metre yachts, Sir William knew he was in for a battle on the race
track. “Wringe sails a hard race … he is well known for his iron nerves and takes every inch out
of the rules.” After a long tacking duel Octavia finally prevailed in one of the closest races ever
recorded between the two yachts. Sadly within a year the class was disbanded as the onset of war
cast a shadow over Europe. Mariquita is the only surviving 19-Metre.
231