The tragic fate of Valkyrie II
There are yachts that make us dream just by their name: Valkyrie. The promise of a fighting yacht, and that's exactly the reputation it's built for itself on the other side of the Atlantic.
Owned by an English lord, this regatta yacht, built for racing, gained notoriety in the late 19th century. “A demon in the light airs and a devil in the fight”, according to yachtsmen and enthusiasts across the Atlantic.
In 1893, its owner deemed it ready to take part in the already mythical America's Cup. There, she was pitted against her great American rival, the Vigilant, owned by the New York Yatch Club.
During the competition, his formidable opponent outclassed him by a few seconds in each of the heats between them, and emerged victorious from the regatta. It's one of the best races in America's Cup history, and one of the most exciting.
A tragic ending
Desperate for victory and revenge against an American crew, the Valkyrie II and her crew set off for the “Firth of Clyde” regatta, organized by the Mudhook Yacht Club in the United Kingdom. But during a pre-race maneuver, the boat collided with the American yacht “The Satanita”.
The stern is completely ripped off, creating a huge ingress of water. The Valkyrie II was ripped open and sank nine minutes later. One sailor died in this tragic accident.
An investigation was opened by the racing commission. It revealed that the maneuver had been carried out by amateurs, without the captain on board. This was common practice at the time, to thank donors and Yacht Club members who did not hold a professional sailing license.
Both captains had their licenses withdrawn and were struck off the merchant navy register.
The boat was towed to Glasgow Harbour. The wreck was sold at auction and subsequently demolished.