For the first time, an inner-city state school is the proud owner of an Admirals Cup Racing Yacht.  We could not be prouder at Greig City Academy and we’ve already started the refit required to get her back out on the ocean by the end of July.  Scaramouch hasn’t just been America’s entry for the Admiral Cup, she’s had a long and distinguished service which you can read below.

Early Years

Scaramouche took to water in 1981.  She was built by Palmer Johnson for Chuck Kirsch, in the US. She was built to represent the USA in the Admirals Cup and so she did.  She was widely regarded as top of her class, representing the US between 1981 and 1984. She was truly one of the world’s top racing boats.   Scaramouche graced the most prestigious races worldwide, including the Admirals Cup, Sardinia Cup, SORC, Race to Makinac and Storm Trysail Club Block Island Race Week.

After Kirsch

After Chuck Kirsh sold her, Scaramouche went through some ups and downs.  She eventually got a chance to serve her country in the hands of the US Naval Academy where, as a training vessel, her name was changed to Fury.  After 4 years serving the Navy, she was bought by Paul Campbell.  She had success in the 1990’s Key West Race Week for Campbell and competed in a number of other events across the States.  Campbell then sold her to a private owner, who it is thought used her a cruiser.  It was however a period of time where she fell into disrepair.

A racing yacht of this pedigree however wasn’t left unnoticed.  Now known once again by the name with which she had soared to success, Scaramouche was bought by skipper Darek Suchomski in 2001 and brought across to the UK for the next leg of her adventure.  Suchomski restored her to her best.  As she was restored, Scaramouche proved her usefulness outside of racing once more when she was used in one of RYA MCA Sea Survival courses and several RYA Yachmaster courses.

The next chapter

It seem ridiculous but also fitting that a yacht with so much success and history is once again making history.  GCA Sailing and Greig City Academy have raised the funds to purchase Scaramouche and ensure she is put to good use.  A yacht of with such an illustrious past is now developing the sailing’s future.  She will be moored down in Poole Harbour and be the flagship of GCA Sailing.  For the first time an inner-city school will have a true racing yacht.  Scaramouche will be the platform train London’s inner-city students about the world of sailing.