Climb aboard one of the first 12 Meter yachts built for American owners.
One of the first American 12 Meter Yachts
Onawa was the sixth of six nearly identical 12 Meters built for members of the New York Yacht Club in 1928. Her original owner was W. Cameron Forbes of Boston.
A Yacht with a Patriotic Past
During WWII, Onawa was purchased to support the war effort. Her keel was repurposed as a submarine ballast.
Lovingly Rebuilt From Stem-to-Stern
After a complete restoration by a dedicated team formed by McMillen Yachts, Onawa once again races and offers classic yachting experiences to sailing enthusiasts in New England. She recently took second place in the vintage division of the 2019 Twelve Meter World Championship and the NYYC 175th Anniversary Regatta.
US-6 Onawa
YEAR BUILT: 1928
YACHT DESIGNER: W. Starling Burgess
YACHT BUILDER: Abeking & Rasmussen Yard, Lemwerder, Germany
SYNDICATE: W. Cameron Forbes
Meet Onawa’s Captain Kelsy Patnaude
Kelsy Patnaude learned to sail at the Newport Yacht Club at age seven. She got her first job as a mate on a 12 Meter at 24, with little sailing knowledge besides how to tie a bowline. She gained more sailing experience in the Caribbean and on the New England racing circuits, as well as participating in Wednesday night Shields racing in Newport. Though originally from landlocked Worcester, MA, she summered in Newport, where her love for sailing grew. She joined Onawa as a deckhand for the 2019 12 Meter Worlds and took over as Captain in 2021. She also has a Master's in Fine Arts and spends her winters painting in her Newport studio and flying to Miami for a bit of sun and Etchells racing.
