What is Sceptre?

Sceptre, the British challenger for the America’s Cup in 1958, is believed to be the only UK challenger still sailing in British waters.  Built for the Royal Yacht Squadron to challenge for the 17th America’s Cup, she has a colourful history from her early racing days to today, with members of the Sceptre Preservation Society nurturing her future and ensuring that she remains racing and cruising on the seas off the United Kingdom coastline.
This traditional 12-metre classic yacht offers a unique and exciting experience in open sea sailing.

Interested in chartering Sceptre?  
We have a number of dates available during 2014  - for more information...

Interested in owning a share of Sceptre?  
Join an established group of enthusiasts to maintain, improve and enjoy sailing this beautiful yacht -  for more information...

How Sceptre has changed over the years

Many changes were made to convert Sceptre from a fantastic racing yacht to a stunning cruising yacht, and work has carried on over the years to maintain and improve her, to preserve her for future generations.  
We are delighted that Tony Walker, who took on the enormous task of converting Sceptre in the 1970s-80s, has now written up a fascinating account of the 9-year project, which, following its completion, resulted in the formation of the Sceptre Preservation Society.
See what major works the Sceptre Preservation Society has carried out over the last few years...
(page under development)

Sceptre videos
A great day's sail up the Sound of Jura
(with thanks to Runrig for the music)
Back to Classics: hear why Sceptre is such a special boat

Sceptre feature article -  
'Classic Boat' magazine

Find out why journalist Nigel Sharp thought a trip on Sceptre was "one of the sails of my life"

National Historic Ships

In 2012 Sceptre was registered as a National Historic Vessel, in recognition of her place in British sailing history.

News

Like many others', Sceptre's race Round the Island this year ended in retirement, although by way of consolation, she was leading her class at the time...

Members have just returned from a very enjoyable fortnight sailing from the Hamble to northern Brittany, cruising along the coast to Brest, and back to Plymouth.  Sceptre is now based there for a few more weeks before moving north.  Read more...
Picture
Moules and cider - the perfect dinner in Brittany!

Share your Sceptre memories

Do you have a story involving Sceptre? We'd love to build a collection of memories, so if you have one to share, send us your story - and read those already collected here (new story shared today!)

Plans for 2014

We have a number of Members' Cruises and a charter weekend over the next few weeks, before Sceptre leaves the South Coast for the trip up to the Clyde.  She will be there until the end of September, enjoying some late summer sailing around the lochs and islands of Argyll.