I2 US II Gleam

Clinton Crane built Gleam in 1937 for his own use using an innovative method of tank testing against Seven Seas. She had a new lead keel in 1939 and was also dismasted that year. Her mast was replaced with one built for Vim. Crane shared the findings of his extensive testing with Olin Stephens and Francis Herreshoff. She won the Astor Cup (NYYC) in 1937.

In 1943 Gleam was purchased by B. Devereaux Barker and B. Devereaux Barker Jr. of Marblehead, MA– they installed an engine in 1940. In 1950 John N. Potter of Darien, CT purchased Gleam, renamed her Charlotte II and replaced her engine.

In 1953 W. Mahlon Dickerson purchased, restored her name to Gleam and brought her home to Oyster Bay, NY.  She was the trial horse for Vim and Sceptre in the 1958 America’s Cup and for Gretel in the 1962 Cup.

Robert Tiedemann (now deceased) purchased Gleam in 1975 and brought her to Newport, RI. He gave her a full restoration and a new engine. Tiedemann is often credited for the rebirth of the 12 Metre Fleet in Newport, RI as we know it today. After his death, his widow Elizabeth Tiedemann DuPont continued to charter US-11 through their company Seascope Yacht Charters in Newport, RI.

Gleam was purchased by Andy Tyska of Bristol Marine in 2020 who will undertake a major refit at their Boothbay Harbor (ME) Shipyard. During the winter of 2020 her hull will be repaired enabling her to sail in Maine waters during the summer of 2021. The following winter (2021), she is set to receive a new deck and a restoration of her elegant interior. If all goes to plan, she will return Newport for the 2022 sailing season.