More about the Sparkman & Stephens 61 - Tenacious
The Legendary Story of Tenacious
The Tenacious is no ordinary vessel: this iconic Sparkman & Stephens 61-foot sailing yacht, built in 1972, has been a winner since its very first race. The history of this masterpiece of sailing technology and design is intertwined with the names of legendary sailors, prestigious races, and epic global voyages.
An Unbeatable Racing Career
From the start, Tenacious earned a reputation as a champion. One of its most famous owners was Ted Turner, the legendary American entrepreneur and sailor. Under Turner’s command, the yacht won the prestigious and notorious 1979 Fastnet Race, overcoming the stormy conditions that made this edition one of the toughest in history. The vessel also claimed other major victories, such as the Miami-Nassau Race, the Cowes Week Series, and the Bermuda Race.
Curious to see this iconic race? Watch a documentary about the 1979 Fastnet Race, with Turner at the helm, via this link.
A Global Adventurer with Warren Brown
Around 1982, the Dora IV was sold to Warren Brown, a renowned Bermudian sailor, who gave the yacht a new name: War Baby. Under his stewardship, the yacht continued to excel in competitive sailing, participating in events like the Antigua Sailing Week, the Bermuda Race, and numerous regattas in the Mediterranean.
But War Baby became more than a racing yacht. Brown embarked on some of the most adventurous voyages ever undertaken by a sailing vessel. He sailed to remote and challenging destinations such as Spitsbergen, Antarctica, Greenland, and Easter Island. It’s estimated that the yacht logged over 200,000 nautical miles under his command—a testament to her reliability and seaworthiness.
Restoration: A New Life
Since 2005, the Tenacious has been ashore at Stofberg en Zn. in Enkhuizen, undergoing an extensive restoration. Critical structural components, including hull sections, frames, stringers, and floors, have been replaced with the assistance of renowned experts such as Sparkman & Stephens USA, Kees Kaptein, and Ben Korner Yacht Architects. This restoration was undertaken with one goal: to return the yacht to its original glory, ready to conquer the seas once more.
Additionally, part of the interior has been updated with high-quality materials, carefully preserving the vessel’s authentic charm. This offers the next owner the opportunity to personalize the finishing touches.
A Brilliant Legacy
Known as Dora IV, later as Tenacious, and then War Baby, this yacht is more than a vessel—it’s a floating legend. Its legacy is even immortalized in a scale model proudly displayed at the prestigious New York Yacht Club (NYYC).
The Opportunity of a Lifetime
Now, Tenacious awaits a new owner who can appreciate her rich history and envision a future as glorious as her past. This is a unique chance to own a true piece of sailing history and become part of her ongoing story.
Are you ready to write the next chapter in Tenacious’ extraordinary tale? Contact us to view this legendary yacht and discover how you can shape her future.
