National 12 Class 90th Anniversary - Preview: a new sponsor and an exciting, special year ahead
by Ian Purkis 3 Feb 19:56 UTC
Even the outbreak of war did not stop dinghy racing on the Thames in London, with Putney being the place for N12 racing in the winter © Henshall
1936 was a turning point in the history of yachting and dinghy racing; the National 12ft Class was born. In 2026 the Class is celebrating its 90th Anniversary, first with a special stand at the upcoming RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show and the Class has a new National series main sponsor for 2026, Blood Red.
The stand will feature N1 Gipsy, built in 1936, and the first National 12ft dinghy, designed by Uffa Fox and winner of a competition run by the YRA to create a racing dinghy at a cost within the reach of many, opening the sport up to mass participation. The boat was recently "rescued" from a bankruptcy auction sale by two National Twelve Owners' Association members to save her from the possibility of going abroad.
Sharing the stand will be N3530 Very Hungry Caterpillar, one of the latest National 12s, a "Dead Cat Bounce" designed by Jo Richards and now the winner of multiple National Championships. While N1 represents the starting point, the "Dead Cat Bounce" represents over eighty years development and with radical new designs on the CAD drawing board, more development, within the cost limiting rules are anticipated in 2026.
The Class is truly delighted to be so closely associated with our new main sponsor, Blood Red and particularly their ethical principles. They engineer premium sailing, swimwear and sun-protection gear using regenerated ocean plastics. Every item is designed to optimise hydrodynamics, durability, and comfort—delivering precision fit, controlled compression, and long-lasting performance in salt, sun, and surf. Materials are selected for their strength, elasticity, UV resistance, and fast-drying properties, ensuring each garment performs at the highest level.
Sustainability is built into their process. By transforming recovered ocean plastics into high-performance textiles, waste is reduced without compromising function. We believe advanced design and environmental responsibility must evolve together.
Comparatively new to the UK and now UK based, but chosen by sailors, freedivers, and surfers elsewhere, Blood Red® delivers technically refined, ethically produced gear made to withstand demanding conditions—so you can focus on performance, not limitations.
The Blood Red National 12 Series includes open meetings around the UK with a mid-year highlight of the Class's 90th Anniversary Regatta at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club in July. The Burton Week National Championships are being held at Shoreham SC over the August Bank Holiday weekend and the season will be rounded off with the Inland Championships at Northampton SC in November.
In parallel, the Class's Vintage fleet has their own events and joins the main fleet for others. This year the "Witchcraft Bailer" Vintage series has been expanded to include the four plank hull boats and the later Admiral's Cup single-bottom designs. These older designs represent incredibly good value, offering competitive sailing or leisurely cruising in interesting boats at a fraction the cost of many one designs.