Original sail plan Erna Signe with gaff-rigged , 1911
The Erna Signe is a 12mR yacht built by the Scottish yacht designer William Fife III. was designed in 1911 and at the shipyard Neglinge Varvet August Plym in Stockholm was launched . The fuselage was made of wood on steel frames. Was appointed Erna Signe from the Swedish businessman and consul Nils Persson , of the yacht by his two daughters Erna and Signe named. He wanted the yacht to win the 1912 Olympic Games in the 12-meter class in Stockholm. Erna Signe was designed according to the International First Rule of 1906 and was therefore able to take part in the games.
She actually won the silver medal in her class in 1912 with the owner Nils Persson at the helm , just beaten by the Norwegian Magda IX with Johan Anker as the designer and helmsman. However, due to a lack of interest, only three yachts took part in the 12-meter class.
In the following year, 1913, Erna Signe was able to take revenge from Magda IX by winning the Kiel Week . In 1914 she started with eleven other yachts of the 12mR class during Europe Week in front of Horten in Norway and sailed to fourth place overall. Winner was Symra and second Sybillan from Johan Anker . Erna Signe was also sailed very successfully in a number of subsequent regattas.
Further career
1916 to 1918 renamed Marjorie
1919 Owner: G. Jebsen - renamed to Vogue , home port: Christiania, Oslo, Norway
1920 Owner: Sam Bull - renamed Erna Signe .
1921 to 1953 new owner: Ole Schroder, head of a well-known Norwegian sailing family who actively sailed the yacht. In 1933 she took part in the anniversary regatta of the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club (KNS) in Hanko, where she won the first race. Swedish yacht designer Gustaf Estlander made changes to the original cabin interior and design of the deck layout.
In the 1950s, the yacht was sold to Denmark and used as a training ship for young sailors.
1990 to 1994 owner: Bjarne Christensen. He removed the original construction of the fuselage.
1996 to 1998 owner: Fritz Haaning.
1998 to 2003 Owner: Ole Chr. Schroder, the son of the original owner of the Schroder family. He learned that Erna Signe was for sale and brought her back as a family yacht. Oslo in Norway became the new home port. It was in a shabby condition and in need of an extensive refit. The restoration was completed in 2000 at Walsted Bådeværft in Svendborg , Denmark. The old style has been respected, but the yacht has not been restored to its original condition. The rig was changed to a Bermuda rig . The deck was replaced and many self-tailing winches were installed. The interior was completely renovated.
In 2001 participation in the world championship of the 12 meter class in Cowes (America's Cup anniversary): 15th place in the Classic Division
2003 to 2008 owner: Bernt Rognlien Schroder, home port: Oslo, Norway
2009 Owner: Einar Sissener, Home port: Sandefjord , Norway
World Championships Results: 2001 in Cowes (America's Cup Jubilee): fifteenth in the Classic Division
The "Erna Signe" has been part of the Norwegian Framnæs Collection of Classic Yachts in Sandefjord (Norway) since 2008 and is cleared, chartered and sailed for regattas in Scandinavian waters.
^ Luigi Lang, Dyer Jones: The 12 Meter Class: The History of The International 12 Meter Class From the First International to the America's Cup . Adlard Coles Nautical, London 2001, ISBN 0-7136-6179-8 .
