Spica (Japanese One Tonner)

These photos are from a recent post on the One Ton Class Facebook page of the Japanese One Ton yachts Spica. The history of Spica yachts is not clear, but it appears that the first Spica (also known as Spica V), JPN 3357 was a Farr design (Design #209, 1988), as an update of the 1986 design Propaganda (#182, 1986) and Steadfast (#188, 1987).

Spica (1989)

The second Spica (JPN 8242) was a Niels Jeppesen/X-Yachts design, which raced for Japan in the 1991 Admiral's Cup (skippered by M Muroi), alongside team-mates Will (50-footer) and Carino (Two Tonner). The Japanese team had finished in a reasonable seventh (of 14 teams) in 1989, but performed relatively poorly in 1991, finishing seventh of just eight teams, while Spica was the last placed yacht in the One Tonner division (placings of 7/8/7/8/DNF/8). 

Spica during the 1991 Admiral's Cup (photos from One Ton Class Facebook page)

Spica returning to Cowes Marina (above and below) after a race during the 1991 Admiral's Cup (photos from shockwave40 blog)

Spica during the 1991 Admiral's Cup (photo One Ton Facebook page)

Spica came to Vancouver in the early 1990's and was re-named Dauntless. She had a great racing career in Vancouver. She was later seen anchored in False Creek, but it is understood that Spica is presently located in Point Roberts, Washington.