An Icon in the World of Sailing... Charles Morgan (Charley)

1929 - 2023

by Trisha Birkenstock, SPYC Historian

January 6, 2023, saw the passing of a significant figure in a phenomenal era of yacht racing history. Charley Morgan was an icon in the world of sailing: sailmaker, racing sailor, yacht designer (designed over 52 sailing yachts), boat builder and America’s Cup designer and competitor. [To her dying day, his Mother wanted him to be an aeronautical engineer and couldn’t understand his obsession with sailing!] There have been many articles written about Charley’s accomplishments and honors. This article is meant to focus on one small part of Charley’s considerable contributions to the St. Petersburg Yacht Club.

In 1968, Charley financed, designed and built Heritage , the last 12-meter built of wood and `unquestionably the most beautiful ever built.’ May 1970, Morgan and a contingent of SPYC crew and supporters made it to Newport, RI, for the America’s Cup defender trials. There were four 12-meters competing for the America’s Cup defense:

Weatherly, Intrepid, Heritage and Valiant. June 11, 1970: “ Heritage made her debut in the trials today and Intrepid and Valiant promptly tore into her like a couple of piranhas attacking a goldfish.” Heritage started the trials off well but was ultimately knocked out by Valiant and Intrepid. (Intrepid went on to win the cup.) “Heritage won first prize in the beauty contest.” Soon after, Morgan donated Heritage to a college… was later converted for ocean racing and shipped to the Great Lakes to race there…and is currently for charter in Newport.

On display in the Heritage Lounge is a photo of Heritage in Newport with Charley at the helm. While redoing the lounge in 1971, SPYC Board of Directors asked Charley permission to name the lounge after his yacht Heritage . Charley approved but wanted to “de-personalize” his connection. He named his boat after the rich maritime traditions and heritage of this nation and of this area in particular; he wanted that connection to be associated with the lounge and the Club’s own maritime heritage. [Hanging over the bar area in the Heritage Lounge are a few of the tank test models used in the construction of Heritage.]

Yachting Recognition 2011

“Charley Morgan – Cumulative lifetime achievement award for bringing honor to the St. Petersburg Y.C. while racing and in retirement from active competition.” During his lifetime, Charley made significant contributions to making SPYC known and respected throughout the world. Above all, he was a mentor and a friend and will be greatly missed.

See Page 11: Charley's Legacy Celebration @ SPYC